Inspectors complete look at Malmstrom operations

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Missile Wing underwent Nuclear Surety and Operational Readiness Inspections Oct. 26 to Nov. 10 by approximately 90 inspectors from the Air Force Space Command Inspector General with oversight provided by U.S. Strategic Command.

While the wing performed well in most mission areas during the 15-day inspection, deficiencies in two key areas. However, Malmstrom remains certified to continue operations and training for its strategic mission and is still maintaining safe, secure and reliable ICBMs for the deterrent mission. The wing received an overall satisfactory rating for the ORI.

"Not exactly the results that you and I wanted to see, but as I look out at your faces, I know you understand that," said Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20th Air Force commander. "This nuclear deterrence business we are in is incredibly important and I know you know that."

In his address to the members of the 341st Missile Wing, General Burg recognized everyone for their hard work and dedication in preparing for and during the execution of the inspection but reminded the wing of the importance of perfection in our standards.

"You just witnessed you can have hundreds of tasks performed perfectly; have thousands of people performing their jobs without any flaws," General Burg said, "and yet, one single event in one or more parts of our business can affect the overall team score."

NSIs and ORIs are extremely detailed and demand the absolute highest standards of compliance and accountability. There is no margin for error in operations within the nation's nuclear enterprise, according to AFSPC officials.

"[AFSPC Commander] General Kehler asked the inspectors to look deeper, look harder and look longer than they ever have before," said Col. Michael Fortney, 341st MW commander. "They did what Gen. Kehler asked them to do. Inspections are much tougher than they have been in the last 15 years. I know everyone on this base worked hard since the spring to not only prepare for this inspection but to take every facet of our mission to a new level of excellence. While I am proud of and grateful for all your hard work, we have more work to do."

"Let me tell you what I know," said Colonel Fortney. "I know you are disappointed and I am too. But let me tell you what else I know. I know this is a strong wing and there are pockets of brilliance out there. I also know the men and women of the 341st are already at work to fix the areas the IG found deficient. I have every confidence in the Airmen of this wing and have no doubt, we'll be ready when they come back."

An NSI is designed to evaluate a unit's readiness to execute nuclear operations and takes place at least every 18 months. The last NSI of the 341st MW was in June 2007. ORIs are designed to validate readiness to execute wartime or contingency missions and are conducted at least every three years. The last ORI took place Jan. 21 to Feb. 9, 2006.

The AFPSC IG will return to inspect the deficient areas identified within 90 days, in accordance with established Department of Defense and Air Force guidance.