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Russian Delegation visits 20th Air Force, 90th Missile Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  A delegation of senior Russian military officers and experts on nuclear security visited the base August 9 - 11 for the Crimson Rider '11 exercise.

"Crimson Rider is an example of the ongoing commitment of the cooperative relationship between the U.S. and Russia," said Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston, 20th Air Force commander.

"Exercises like this enable good discussion among security experts from both countries, which in turn, can lead to adopting the best practices available to ensure the tightest security for nuclear weapons."

"We are sharing processes, forging relationships and planning future exercises," said Ann Mitchell, Director of Installations, Logistics and Mission Support, Air Force Global Strike Command. "This benefits both governments," she said.

While here, the Russian delegation toured several on-base facilities and observed the procedures and physical means for protecting those facilities against attack.

"The 90th Missile Wing team is committed to ensuring our forces remain safe, secure and effective," said Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander. "This commitment is underscored by a culture of daily excellence, discipline, and precision in all wing mission areas."

Crimson Rider not only demonstrated our robust and effective nuclear security capabilities, it also enhanced the cooperation and exchange of best practices for securing nuclear resources with a key strategic partner.

The visit was viewed as a success by both U.S. and Russian military officials.

"From the moment we arrived here, we saw that you take your duties very seriously," said Brig. Gen. Vladimir Iskulov, Glavnoe Razvedivatelnoe Main Operations Directorate. "From the very top to the bottom, everyone knows their duties and they executed them flawlessly."

A cooperative relationship with Russia will consist of many more visits like this one, to include a similar exchange and demonstration provided by the Russian Federation in 2013.

"Thank you for opening your doors and your hearts to us," Iskulov said. "We will wait for you in Russia."