News Search

Reflecting on the past, moving forward

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WAREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  With 2014 coming to a close, it is time to say good bye to the past and welcome 2015. Now is the time to reflect on the challenges and difficulties that were overcome.

2014 brought big changes to the Mighty Ninety. The Force Improvement Program initiated a number of alterations, including an influx of Airmen, new courses for defenders and a deep cleaning of the launch control centers.

Each group played their part in the success of the 90th Missile Wing. Defenders stood watch in below-zero temperatures, maintainers kept the base operational around the clock and missileers made sure the missile field stood alert and ready.

The 90th Operations Group Airmen manned the 15 missile alert facilities, responsible for the 150 missiles in the 9600-square mile missile field. The group is made up of three missile squadrons, each responsible for one-third of the missile field, and the 90th Operation Support Squadron. The missile squadrons traveled one-million miles in the missile complex over the course of the year.

The 319th Missile Squadron was the featured showcase for AFGSC, hosting the Secretary of Defense and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during their first visits to the missile field. The 319th MS organized and executed national media interviews and site visits to showcase AFGSC operations.

The 320th MS co-designed the 20th Air force Flight Commander's Course. The squadron developed and implemented the first-ever launch control center cleaning contract, intended to enhance the quality of life for the combat crews in 20th AF.

The 321st MS led the wing's Operation Provide Joy events, which supported the local shelter and Salvation Army during the holidays. The squadron trained for more than 200 hours to compete in Air Force Global Strike challenge and earned the Neary Trophy, which is awarded to the team who performed the best during the Emergency War Orders challenge.

The 90th Operations Squadron provided more than 9,000 training hours, 600 coding actions, 949 weather forecasts and 135 intelligence briefings in support of the wing's mission. The squadron directly supported the AFGSC FIP-driven overhaul of the ICBM operations training and evaluations programs.

The 90th Security Forces Group kept the missile field and base secure each day. With four squadrons, the 90th SFG comprises the majority of the base's Airmen.

The 90th Security Forces Squadron has a diverse mission, providing security and law enforcement for the base, entry controllers at the gates, additional security at highly secure base facilities, and military working dog capabilities. This year, the 90th SFS drafted the wing's first joint active shooter plan, prepping base personnel as well as 2,000 Army and Air National Guardsmen. Additionally, the MWD section worked with the Larimer County Sherriff's Department and the U.S. Secret Service for support operations. 

The 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron led AFGSC's efforts to update the vehicle fleet by coordinating with four wings and 15 agencies to ensure the number of vehicles were met. Big Missiles also briefed AFGSC commanders and the 20th AF commander on the progress of their efforts.

The 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron directed and accomplished 111 off-base convoys, reaching more than 13,000 miles and 1,300 hours of security. 790th MSFS Airmen readied 50 Wyoming Army National Guard members on combat tactics, receiving recognition from the 153rd Air National Guard commander.

The 90th Security Support Squadron led the AFGSC FIP initiative to revamp the security forces uniform and equipment, developing the Model Defender inventory and sustainment plan. The 90th SSPTS achieved the highest in-service posting rate in AFGSC, earning a 90 percent annual average.

Next up, the 90th Maintenance Group is responsible for maintaining and improving the vehicles necessary for operations and the upkeep and repairs of the missile field, ensuring the wing is capable of accomplishing the mission every day. The MXG spent 14,000 maintenance hours to keep the wing at a 99.7 percent ICBM alert rate.

The 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron completed 31,000 dispatches and 16,000 maintenance actions, leading to a 99.4 percent evaluation pass rating and an 18 out of 18 inspection pass rating for the fifth year in a row.

Maintainers in the 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron created a 5-year, $287 million security door upgrade program to modernize security for the missile facilities. 

The 90th Munitions Squadron dedicated more than 200 hours preparing the Air Force Global Strike Challenge teams to compete and took home the award for the best ICBM maintenance team. The 90th MUNS partnered with the Wyoming Air National Guard to synchronize inspections of the munitions to ensure C-130 flight crew safety. 

The diverse mission of the 90th Mission Support Group ensures a smooth working environment for the wing. The group is tasked with ensuring facilities are kept to standards, providing emergency services in times of crisis, and providing morale and welfare functions for Airmen and families.

The 90th Civil Engineer Squadron is responsible for a number of organizations that operate around base, including the Fire and Emergency Services Flight. The fire department received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, becoming the first accredited station in AFGSC and the ninth in the Air Force.

The Force Support Squadron spearheaded a $5 million renovation of the Chadwell Dining Facility, introducing a new, campus-style dining experience for all Airmen on base.

The 90th Contracting Squadron created an $8 dollar, base-wide roofing contract to renovate 37 historic homes, the secure base facilities and the helicopter operations building.

The 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron facilitated the introduction of 26 new vehicles to transport missile alert crews to the missile field. The squadron sustained and maintained a fleet of 875 vehicles and achieved the best vehicle mission capable rating in AFGSC at 91.3 percent. Mighty Ninety Airmen drove 90th LRS vehicles more than seven million miles in 2014.

The 90th Communications Squadron created a phishing platform to test computer users' knowledge of information security in a safe environment, significantly reducing the number of users who that fall for email phishing deception. The squadron worked with the 38th Engineering Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to streamline core infrastructure, deliver alternate connectivity to critical facilities and improve the performance of the network. 

The 90th Medical Group provides care and attention to the Airmen's medical concerns, keeping them fit and ready to accomplish the mission. The group worked to reenroll more than 600 patients, earning the top spot in AFGSC for increased patient enrollments. The group conducted more than 500 post-deployment evaluations, reaching the eighth highest in the Air Force.

The 90th Missile Wing Staff Agencies work to maintain the wing, from ensuring the finances are in order to ensuring Airmen are performing their duties safely.

The 90th Comptroller Squadron managed the flow of purchases through FIP, focusing on improving the quality of life of the Airmen on base. The squadron worked to validate the proper basic allowance for housing for the Airmen, recertifying 99.5 percent. The Airmen in CPTS assisted base personnel with processing travel authorizations and vouchers to ensure a smooth usage of the Defense Travel System and the Government Travel Card operations.

The 90th MW Safety Office completed 106 convoys, traveling more than 10,000 miles in all weather and road conditions with zero mishaps. Safety led a motorcycle safety program to train 280 Airmen, which contributed to a track record of zero accidents for base motorcyclists. The office focused on the mission by randomly testing more than 2,400 certified Airmen on the Personal Reliability Program with a 99.9 percent pass rate.

With a successful 2014, the Mighty Ninety is expected to continue accomplishing the mission and doing great things.