MAFB museum dedicates 40th Helicopter Squadron display

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A dedication ceremony was held at the base museum on April 28, of its first 40th Helicopter Squadron display.

The ceremony began with a chaplain invocation followed by opening remarks from Rob Turnbow, 341st Missile Wing museum director.

“The reason we are here today is to recognize the relationship between the 40th Helicopter Squadron, Malmstrom Air Force Base and the civilian community, as well as the selfless patriotism of 40th members past, present, and future,” said Turnbow.

Several key players came together to make the event happen including Col. Ron Allen, 341st MW commander, Lt. Col. Joshua Hampton, 40th HS commander, Turnbow and retired Brig. Gen. Dale Stovall, guest of honor and speaker.

Allen and Hampton spoke next, telling stories and showed appreciation for those who made the ceremony a possibility.

“Thank you to everyone who put brain power and manpower toward making this happen; it’s been months in the making,” said Hampton. “This display honors our predecessors and the amazing pathfinding and trailblazing they did in the combat search and rescue world as well as the missile support world. We’re grateful to be a part of that team.”

Turnbow then introduced Stovall, who the display was named after.

Stovall served as a helicopter pilot in the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron during the Vietnam War. He retired as a brigadier general in the 1990s after a nearly 30-year career. Stovall helped pave the way for helicopter aircrew to become the war fighting force it is today.

Stovall spoke of how helicopter history has evolved.

“The 40th is doing an important job supporting the missile (leg of the) triad of our national nuclear deterrence,” said Stovall. “As a critical mission, it takes precision, dedication and a lot of hard work by everybody and the helicopter crews are out there helping to protect and support this very vital mission.”

Stovall briefly spoke about some of the missions he completed when he served before he took a moment to thank those currently serving.

“To all of the crewmembers who are here: you guys are better trained than we were,” said Stovall. “You are better prepared for your mission than we were, and I’m excited to be here today.”

Allen, Hampton and Stovall honored helicopter aircrew by cutting a ribbon and unveiling a hand-painted mural depicting the crucial roles helicopters have played at Malmstrom since 1961.

“The 40th’s history and heritage cannot be replaced,” said Allen. “We are definitely standing on the shoulders of giants. What a great day it is for Team Malmstrom.”