Code change bolsters ICBM security

Senior Airman Logan Hershberger, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron electromechanical team chief, lowers equipment into a launch facility during code change in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. Multiple wings contribute to the code change effort. Mighty Ninety maintainers perform the code change, security forces squadrons secure the sites and the 90th Force Support Squadron provides additional care to the personnel in the field. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Senior Airman Logan Hershberger, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron electromechanical team chief, hooks up a controller monitor to launch facility equipment preparing for code change operations in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. The cryptographic codes are changed at least once a year, and the process can take up to two weeks. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Senior Airman Logan Hershberger, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron electromechanical team chief, and Senior Airman Kevin Wherth, EMT technician, prepare for code change operations in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. The cryptographic codes, which exist at the launch control centers and the launch facilities, allows the two locations to communicate securely with one another, hindering our adversaries’ attempts to intercept the messages. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Senior Airman Marcus Graham and Airman 1st Class Nicholas Bennett, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron security forces members, keep watch outside a launch facility in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. Security forces provides a haven for the 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron during code change enforcing a safe and secure environment to work in. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Second Lt. Seth Snyder, 90th Missile Wing chaplain candidate, grills burgers and brats during the 319th Missile Squadron code change burger burn in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, July 12, 2017. The burger burn allows 319th MS leadership to demonstrate their sincere appreciation for the Airmen by thanking them for their hard work with a hearty meal. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Airman Luke Bittle, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron security forces member, mans the turret atop a Humvee during code change at a launch facility in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. Defenders are charged with the security of 150 Minuteman III ICBMs and their related infrastructure spread throughout a 9,600 square-mile area across Wyo., Neb., and Colo. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Captain Samuel McClellan, 90th Missile Wing chaplain, thanks security forces plus maintenance members, chefs and missile crew for their sacrifices and hard work during the 319th Missile Squadron code change burger burn in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, July 12, 2017. The week-long code change sometimes requires security forces members and maintainers to stay out for days at a time to ensure they accomplish their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

The machine-stained hand of Senior Airman Gabriel Chrum, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron electro mechanical team technician, grasps a hamburger during the 319th Missile Squadron code change burger burn in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, July 12, 2017. The different units responsible for cleaning sensitive components in the missile complex were offered a freshly-cooked meal by leaders in the 319th Missile Squadron and 90th MW chaplains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Airmen from the 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron gather brats and burgers on their plates during the 319th Missile Squadron code change burger burn in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, July 12, 2017. Security forces plus maintenance members, chefs and missile crews were given an opportunity to bond over home-cooked meals and make connections across various career fields, furthering the camaraderie of the Mighty Ninety family. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Captain Morgan Pack, 319th Missile Squadron flight commander, prepares plates and buns during the 319th MS code change burger burn in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, July 12, 2017. Leadership from the 319th MS, along with the assistance of 90th MW chaplains, traversed the missile complex during the squadron’s week-long code change, providing food and talking to the Airmen tackling their critical mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Airman 1st Class Alex Medellin, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron team member, checks his tools in the utility van during code change at a launch facility in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. The maintainers are in charge of effectively gaining access to the launch facility with security forces standing guard ensuring they can perform their mission securely during the code change. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Senior Airman Major Santiago, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron team chief, reads through the technical order while Airman 1st Class Alex Medellin, 90th MMXS team member, sets up the safety control switch key inside the launch facility during code change in the 90th Missile Wing missile complex, June 20, 2017. The SCS key disables the missile from launching to allow the maintainers to work at the site safely. Code change ensures the safety, security and effectiveness of America’s ICBM arsenal, which is the bedrock of nuclear deterrence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano)

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Code change bolsters ICBM security

Published July 14, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --