MAFB sweeps competition in 2017 Published June 6, 2018 By Kiersten McCutchan 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Team Malmstrom can look back to 2017 with pride and ahead to 2018 with professional anticipation. Hard work and dedication paid off with recognition ranging from wing, Air Force and Department of Defense level awards, and the accolades just keep rolling in. Throughout 2017 and into 2018, Malmstrom’s silent warriors’ unrelenting dedication to the nuclear deterrence mission was recognized on social media platforms, in local and U.S. news, publicized award ceremonies and press releases from both the Air Force and the Department of Defense. Chief Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell, 341st Missile Wing command chief, said she couldn’t be more proud of the team in 2017 and believes 2018 will wrap-up just as successfully. Mitchell appeared at as many award and recognition events as possible with her camera in hand to advocate what she believes were the Wing’s proudest moments. Mitchell said she is the wing’s biggest fan and cultivated a positive attitude and photo “selfie game” to engage and encourage Airmen for the future. “During my time here I’ve watched the teamwork and sense of duty to the mission flourish,” Mitchell said. “Our people come in to do their jobs, and they do them extremely well.” Mitchell also said that to simply call Malmstrom’s Airmen winners wouldn’t be correct. She believes the Airmen push to continually achieve the Air Force’s core value of excellence in all we do and are the essence of the word ‘team’ by fostering teamwork every day, in every task, and demonstrate dedication to the mission and to each other. “I think we foster a culture of accomplishment because here at the wing we don’t have a winning-at-all-costs mentality,” she said. “We take care of our people.” Everyone loves to win, but at the 341st Missile Wing, winning is more than awards, trophies and blue ribbons, she said. “When people, their work and their family members are recognized, people are proud,” Mitchell said. “When people are proud, they want to extend this individual pride to team pride and mission success. This is our leadership’s perspective, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what the team does in 2018.” A new commander takes up the mantle To talk about Malmstrom’s 2017’s achievements now is timely. Col. Ron Allen, 341st Missile Wing commander, arrived at Malmstrom and assumed command in 2016. He is scheduled to rotate out of command this month. Allen was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for promotion to brigadier general in the United States Air Force in December 2017, and he will take his next position as Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. With the change of command weeks away, the community can start to reflect on Allen’s tenure and leadership, Mitchell said. “I can’t say enough great things about the Malmstrom team,” Allen said. “The people, our military and civilian partners on base, and our Great Falls community teammates have all been incredible. “My time as the 341st Missile Wing commander has been a phenomenal opportunity and a high point of my career,” he continued. “(My wife) Angie and I will have many great memories of our time here at Wing One and Great Falls. We look forward to seeing Malmstrom’s people grow and continue in their success.” Malmstrom’s incoming commander is Col. Jennifer K. Reeves and is scheduled to arrive and assume command June 19. While Malmstrom may be considered by some to be a remote assignment, the people, the team, and community here make the wing a place people want to be, Mitchell said. “I can’t wait to see what Team Malmstrom has in store for the world in 2018,” Mitchell said.