Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Air Force Announces That Work Will Begin In 2023 At Warren AFB
This missile silo site, just north of Kimball, is one of many in the area that will be replaced with the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent weapons system beginning in 2023.
The Air Force announced that F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., will begin military construction in 2023 to replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III ICBMs in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming.
The second installation will be in Malmstrom AFB, Mont., followed by Minot AFB, N.D., in 2026 and 2029, respectively.
Congress has already appropriated $90 billion for the replacement of the old missiles and the installation of the new missiles at the three missile bases.
According to the release, "Using infrastructure at current locations allows both the Minuteman III and GBSD (Ground Based Strategic Deterrent) weapons systems to continue meeting all nuclear surety and safety standards throughout their operational lives, particularly during the transition period."
Air Force Global Strike Command, which includes 33,700 professionals, is the headquarters for the 20th Air Force at F.W. Warren, the 8th Air Force at Barksdale, La., along with nine wings, two geographically separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States.
The Cheyenne Greater Chamber of Commerce said that no additional information would be released for at least two more weeks. The chamber told the Observer that there are lots of questions, and they are trying to figure it all out.
According to the chamber when missile builder Northrop Grumman Corp. decides to roll out the information, they will get it out, but until then, information is quite scarce.
The Observer obtained this statement from the Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs Office in reference to the impact the project would have on local communities: "As all military construction activities are dependent on the completion of the Environmental Impact Statements for each base, it is too early in the process to know this information. There are several variables that can determine when and where military construction can begin such as weather, skills, equipment and supplies.
"Given the gravity and importance of nuclear deterrence, the Air Force will not rush this effort. The Air Force is following a thorough process to ensure the deployment of a safe, secure, reliable, and effective weapon system."
The economic impact in this area is predicted to be extensive, and for many that would a dream come true.
The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent weapons system is expected to be operational until 2075.
