F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The honorable Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, and his spouse Ms. Beth Halpern, visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, in conjunction with Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 21-23, 2023.
Kendall visited F.E. Warren to connect with Airmen of the 90th Missile Wing and hear about the quality of life here, to speak with city leaders about local challenges and successes in the community, and to learn about the intercontinental ballistic missile mission and F.E. Warren AFB modernization efforts.
“It is an honor to have Secretary Kendall here with us,” said Col. Johnny Galbert, 90 MW commander. “The Mighty Ninety is filled with hard-working, talented Airmen and I’m excited they get the opportunity to show off their efforts. We appreciate when our senior leaders visit and learn about our mission, especially when they take the time to talk with our most junior Airmen who accomplish the mission every day.”
On his first day, Kendall toured the weapons generation facility and was briefed on the modernized building’s construction progress and capabilities supporting the new LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM weapon system. Following the WGF, Kendall had lunch with 90 MW and 20th Air Force Airmen. He recognized four Airmen for their outstanding service and spoke with them to hear what’s on their minds. After lunch, he participated in a round table discussion with Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins and Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce CEO Dale Steenbergen about Airmen’s quality of life in the community and schools.
“The town and the base were born in the same year, 1867,” said Collins. “We work together and so we understand how important quality of life is for Airmen here.”
Kendall emphasized the importance of the relationship between the base and the local community and how that will affect their quality of life and work.
“If people feel supported in the community, they are better able to perform their duties at work,” said Kendall.
In addition, Kendall was briefed by 20 AF personnel about the arrival of the new helicopter, the MH-139, which will ensure the continuation of a higher level of lethality and readiness while completing the mission.
Kendall also hosted an all-call at the Peacekeeper High Bay, where he recognized four more Airmen for their outstanding service and then spoke on topics such as pay, cancer concerns and quality of life. He opened the floor for questions and Airmen were curious about BAH rates, recruiting rates, strategic deterrence and modernization impacts.
“I don’t see any fundamental change for how Airmen will operate because of Sentinel,” said Kendall. “People will still be the key link in the chain and I think Airmen will still continue to do what is asked of them to the fullest extent.”
Kendall also visited Cheyenne to act as a Grand Marshal for CFD. The settlement of Cheyenne began simultaneously with the establishment of a military camp, now F.E. Warren AFB, at Crow Creek Crossing in 1867. As the Grand Marshal, Kendall served as the lead for the CFD Grand Parade and Grand Entry, honoring long-lasting community ties and partnerships, along with CFD traditions.
Kendall and his family were also hosted at Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s residence with state and city leaders and military leaders from the 90 MW, 20 AF and the Wyoming Guard.
To end his visit to F.E. Warren AFB and Cheyenne, Kendall was the guest of honor at a commander’s reception dinner hosted by Galbert at the Trail’s End Event Center. 90 MW wing, group and squadron commanders and senior enlisted leaders, and state and city delegates were in attendance. Additionally, Kendall hosted civic leaders from towns throughout the missile field to speak about how modernization efforts will affect their communities.
Editor’s note
Kendall directs the Department of the Air Force annual budget and is accountable for the welfare of all active, guard, reserve Airmen along with civilian employees and families. He has the ability in his position to advocate for the 90 MW regarding challenges that are faced.