F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Ten members of the Air Force Civic Leader Group visited here April 9 and 10 to learn about the intercontinental ballistic missile mission and its role in strategic deterrence and national security. 

The visit was part of a wider Air Force Space Command tour led by Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, AFSPC commander, who accompanied the group from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. 

During the tour of the missile fields, which span across the states of Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska, General Chilton said he gained a deeper appreciation for the security forces who guard the launch facilities. 

"When an alarm goes off, if something happens, security forces have to respond," he said. "It can be the worst weather in the world, but they still have to go out to those LFs." 

Col. Mike Carey, 90th Space Wing commander, escorted the civic leaders and highlighted the base's global mission. 

Afterward, Maj. Gen. Tom Deppe, 20th Air Force commander, spoke to the group about the Minuteman III ICBM modernization, which includes the guidance replacement program, propulsion replacement program and safety-enhanced re-entry vehicle program, among other projects. The intent of the program is to extend the life of the weapon system until 2030. 

"I've never seen a busier time than this in our business with all the modernization being completed," General Deppe said. "This weapon system is enduring the biggest transformation effort in its history." 

The general also described his Airmen's work schedule in the field and how they are deployed in-place for about 15 days each month. 

"It's amazing to know that you're doing all that [work] at 100-percent mission ready," said Vickie McCall, one of the civic leaders. 

As part of the tour, guests boarded Wyoming Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters at the 37th Helicopter Squadron here. The Blackhawks flew the group 65 miles to launch facility Alpha-11 where 90th Maintenance Group Airmen explained aspects of the payload transporter, security systems and equipment in the launch facility. 

The civic leaders completed their visit at missile alert facility Alpha-01 where they also saw the launch control center. 

"I'm constantly impressed with the professionalism of Warren's Airmen," General Chilton said. "Strategic deterrence is vital to our nation's security. The American people can sleep well knowing the Airmen of the 20th Air Force and 90th Space Wing stand vigilant with our intercontinental ballistic missile force, always ready, always prepared." 

In addition to seeing the Warren mission in action, the group attended the 23rd National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as visited the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.; Schreiver AFB, Colo.; and Peterson AFB. Warren is the only missile base the group plans to visit in 2007. 

Established in December 2005, the Air Force Civic Leader Group gives senior community leaders experience with the Air Force strategic picture to share with their respective communities.