F.E. Warren AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The U.S. Strategic Command Roadshow stopped at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Aug. 8-9 to speak with service members and leaders about their contribution to the nuclear deterrence mission.
“The USSTRATCOM Roadshow is the chance for flag officers like myself to go out to all the missile wings, bomb wings, missile submarine bases, and the tanker aircraft wings,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Navrkal, USSTRATCOM mobilization assistant to the deputy commander. “It gives us the chance to meet and talk with the Airmen who make our mission of strategic deterrence possible.”
Men and women in USSTRATCOM provide strategic deterrence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep the nation safe and assure its allies of the commitment to their security. The 90th Missile Wing’s land-based ICBM capability is vital to USSTRATCOM's mission of providing strategic deterrence. As one of the three legs of the nuclear triad, the ICBM provides the most responsive capability.
Below, Navrkal answered some questions about the USSTRATCOM Roadshow and the USSTRATCOM mission.
Q: Can you provide a general overview of the USSTRATCOM Roadshow and the primary objectives for your visit?
A: USSTRATCOM is doing 12 of these roadshows this year. What we’re doing at each of these visits is talking about the nuclear generation requirements, the planning process and the command and communication systems. Ultimately, we’re doing this to show the Airmen here how they fit into the strategic command level.
Q: Can you explain the current relationship between USSTRATCOM and the 90th MW and how it will change with Task Force 214 going away?
A: When USSTRATCOM Commander Gen. Hyten came in, I think he realized that with the previous command, things were a little different than what you would see in a global war fighting organization. As a global combatant command we are reorganizing ourselves so that we look like any other global war fighting command that you could operate in across the world.
Q: As the mobilization assistant, what is your assessment of the current guard and reserve support to USSTRATCOM missions? Do you foresee an expansion in any areas?
A: The total force - guard, active and reserve across all services - plays a vital role in assuring that USSTRATCOM can meet its mission requirements. From what I’ve seen in my time here, the total force is working very well.
Q: Regarding strategic deterrence, in what ways do ICBMs complement the other two legs of the nuclear triad? Why is it important to invest in our ICBM capability?
A: It’s important to note the triad delivers the best mix of unique complementary capabilities for us to accomplish our objectives of deterring our adversaries. The ICBM force provides a highly reliable and cost-effective deterrent.
Q: Can you discuss the current status of nuclear infrastructure modernization efforts? What are the biggest challenges we currently face in that endeavor?
A: The bottom line with modernization is that we’re on track, but we have to stay mindful and watchful to make sure we meet the timeline that we’ve established.
Q: How do international events, such as the North Korean missile launch, impact USSTRATCOM's strategic posture?
A: We as an organization continue to do our mission of nuclear deterrence every day. We have to make sure that our adversaries understand that behind our leadership is a very powerful strategic deterrent that we are ready to use if called upon.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: It’s a privilege and honor for me to be here. Seeing these great Airmen who are doing wonderful things in this mission is always encouraging.