Airmen commemorate 50 years of nation's preeminent ICBM fleet Published Oct. 7, 2009 By Senior Airman Daryl Knee 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Members from across the ICBM community arrived here today for the three-day 50th anniversary of the ICBM. The ceremonies began with the Guardian Sword event, a brainstorming session on how to make the strategic-deterrent mission more efficient. "We are proud to host such a historic event and welcome the many ICBM pioneers to join in on our discussions about the future of America's preeminent nuclear deterrence," said Col. Greg Tims, commander of the 90th Missile Wing here. "Together, we remain committed to the highest standards of performance and reliability in the operating, maintaining, supporting and securing the ICBM weapon system, as we have for the last 50 years." About 450 ICBM operators, missile maintainers and security forces members from across the Air Force are meeting this week to commemorate 50 years of America's most powerful nuclear deterrent. Attendees include Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley; Gen. Kevin Chilton, U.S. Strategic Command commander; Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander; and Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air Force Global Strike Command commander. The anniversary continues with a "Curtain Raiser" reception later today. A four-part symposium takes place Oct. 8, and Secretary Donley will give the keynote address at the commemoration dinner that night. Throughout the anniversary, attendees will visit a technology exposition showcasing the many facets of the missile spectrum. The events conclude after a memorial service Oct. 9 to honor all deceased missileers followed by a local artist dedicating to the Air Force a painting which depicts 50 years of ICBMs. America's ICBM force is deployed across almost 35,000 square miles of the Great Plains. The missiles are operated, secured, maintained and sustained every minute of the day by almost 10,000 dedicated Airmen.