341st MW vice commander: From small-town Maine to Air Force colonel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  She was a 16-year old sophomore in high school when a chance visit to an air show at what was then Loring Air Force Base in Maine, sparked a passion in her heart to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force. More than 20 years later, for Col. Marné Deranger, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, Air Force blue continues to run deep her in veins.

Growing up in the small town of Houlton, Maine, a place with more trees than residents, Deranger never thought of joining the military and had no military family history.

"I remember seeing two female cadets from the University of Maine manning a booth at an air show," Deranger said. "After seeing and talking to them, the spark lit. From then on, I knew that was what I was going to do."

Following her graduation from University of Maine at Orono in 1993, Deranger traveled to her first assignment at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., where she served as a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile combat crew commander scheduler and instructor with the 321st Missile Squadron and 90th Operations Support Squadron. Although she rarely strayed away from the nuclear world, Deranger's varied positions include an ICBM Weapon System and Emergency War Order instructor with the 392nd Training Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.; the 392nd TRS commander; and a member of the Headquarters Air Force Space Command Commander's Action Group, where she was the vice commander's speechwriter.

"I've learned a lot from each assignment," Deranger said. "When I worked in the CAG I had to bring my A-game each and every day. I was digging deep and couldn't have an off day. That experience really broadened the aperture for me. It was such a fortunate job to have because I worked behind the 'green curtain of Oz.' I saw where decisions are made and how the decisions shaped the force. To be a field grade officer and got a peek at that world."

Now on her 13th assignment, Deranger has been at Malmstrom for less than two months, followed by her husband, retired Lt. Col. Chad Deranger, her daughter, Hannah and their eight-week old puppy, Moose. Prior to joining Team Malmstrom, Deranger served as the procedures and assessments chief in J-36, responsible for CJCS Emergency Action Procedures, Communications Security, Staff Assessment Visits, and worldwide communications assessments at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

"My first impression of Malmstrom Air Force Base was made back when I was the training squadron commander at Vandenberg Air Force Base," Deranger said. "The instructors that came from Malmstrom were just glowing. They had such positive, wonderful things to say about this base. Now that I'm here, I see Airmen being enthusiastic about their jobs, and the community is very friendly and welcoming to the military members in the area."

Working in a variety of leadership positions, combined with her ICBM background, has more than prepared Deranger to assist Col. Robert Stanely, 341st Missile Wing commander, in leading the wing's 4,000 Airmen.

"I remember what it was like to be a brand new CGO at your first assignment," Deranger said. "So I know what it's like. I'm so excited to meet the people, hear about their jobs, their day and where they're from. Everyone brings different perspective and personal experience."

In her off-duty time, Deranger can be found running on the River's Edge Trail in Great Falls and exploring Montana with her family.