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French Strategic Forces visit Warren

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Brooke Brzozowske
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  Members of the French Strategic Air Forces visited Air Force Global Strike Command's newly donned "best ICBM
wing" here Nov. 18 - 20.

The visit followed the delegation's stopover to the Global Strike Challenge competition at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and the AFGSC's commander visit to France in July.

"We have a great appetite to see the technical side of this mission, especially here at F. E. Warren," said Maj. Gen. Gratien Maire, French Defense Attaché to the United States, to a group of missileers at their daily pre-deployment briefing. "We are very proud to be here at the best base," the general said as he pointed toward the 90th Operation's Group recent GSC trophy earned for best ICBM Operations.

Each of the members visiting Warren came directly from the first-ever Global Strike Challenge, a competition where more than 400 bomber, missileer and security forces Airmen contended to be recognized for superior technical and weapons systems expertise across the major command.

During their visit here, the French delegation made several stops around the base including 20th Air Force; Uniform-01, Warren's training launch facility complex; the 90th Operations Group for pre-deployment; a UH-1N helicopter flight to Missile Alert Facility site Oscar-01; the missile procedure trainers and Warren's museum. Also during their stay, the visitors had an opportunity to meet local community leaders and participate in a cultural tour around the city of Cheyenne.

The French delegates also had opportunities to visit with Airmen of all rank and positions at a missile alert facility.

"We hear everyday how important our job is, but having a foreign military take such a close interest in it really shows the global impact we can have," said Capt. Patrick Duvall, flight commander with the 321st Missile Squadron, during the delegation's visit to O-01.

"Their visit was awesome to assist with, especially after we just took home the best operations trophy," the captain added. "This gives us a chance to showcase our mission and skills to an international audience."

The Airmen here have a great respect for the institution, all ranks and their mission, said Maj. Stephane Cocco, French SAF Deputy Chief of Operations.

"We have had a very good impression of the Airmen here and at Barksdale," Maj. Cocco said. "It is one of the many reasons why we are very proud to be here."

The two-day visit to Warren was an intense emersion into the nuclear enterprise culture, explained the major.

"Each day here was a great moment for us," Maj. Cocco continued. "We were very excited to see a real missile site, a launch control center and to fly in a B-52."

The major continued that before his trip he didn't know what he was in store for, he said. The French SAF has not worked with ICBMs since the late 90s, and he admitted that they have been anxiously waiting to learn about the mission.

"This was a great opportunity to show our international partners the professional excellence this wing uses to execute our mission daily," said Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander at F. E. Warren AFB. "We deliver, and it shows."

"It is totally new for us to discover your work," Maj. Cocco said. "Here you are completely dedicated to your mission - we relate very well to that in France. We are very strict with high standards too."

However similar the work ethics are between the two entities, he also commented that both sides of this partnership can beneficially gain from one another.

"It is very important for us to share [visits like this], because in fact, both sides can learn in this relationship," the major stated.

"I always enjoy showcasing our mission and people," Colonel Tims agreed. "The French Strategic Air Forces' perspective and interest in what we do here is very motivating, and reminds our Airmen that our mission isn't isolated to the missile alert facilities or the launch control centers they man."

"I think in France, it is very similar, the individuals who work in this system work in the shadows," explained Maj. Cocco. "We do the most important work in the Air Force and perhaps in all the military, but nobody talks about that. They need to believe in the mission, and to stay as motivated as those who earn all the medals or fly in Afghanistan."

"This has been a privilege and a great time to see just how important this mission is to you," said General Maire. "We have been very impressed by your professionalism and dedication. This is a strong community of values and our nations rely on you. This is where our community comes together.

"The contacts we have made during this trip are important to continue assuring that our weapons are safe, secure and reliable," he continued. "I hope General Klotz's visit was only the first step in the development of this relationship."