Wing embraces heritage; re-designates 341st MW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A ceremony was held July 1 at Medal of Honor Park to officially designate Malmstrom Air Force Base as the 341st Missile Wing, retiring the Space Wing designation Malmstrom held since 1997. 

The ceremony was officiated by Col. Michael Fortney, 341st MW commander. 

The Honor Guard posted the colors, then presented the new Missile Wing flag to Colonel Fortney for inspection. 

Official orders were read for the designation and the new shield was unveiled on the side of a payload transporter next to the stage. 

Colonel Fortney then took to the podium and reminded the audience of their missile heritage and the significance of the re-designation. 

"Some might wonder why we're making such a big deal about a re-naming," he said. "Some might wonder why we're re-naming in the first place." 

Colonel Fortney pointed out this change was not in light of recent events throughout Air Force Space Command, but rather a decision made last year influenced by the AFSPC commander and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. 

But, the question remained, he said - why? 

"Our CSAF and AFSPC commander wanted to recognize the critical importance of our intercontinental ballistic missile mission and return us to a name that identifies us with the awesome and critical mission we have done so well for so long," Colonel Fortney said. 

He pointed out there is no mistake about what the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., does. They fly fighters. There is no misconception of what the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., does. They drop bombs. 

"This is a missile base, and we are all missileers," he said. "By missileers I'm talking about all of us. Everyone who operates, maintains, secures and supports the 150 Minuteman III ICBMs on the plains and in the mountains of Montana is a missileer." 

Colonel Fortney also said while Malmstrom is still a critical component of Space Command, this re-naming returns Malmstrom to its roots. 

"When anyone looks at our patch or flag from now on, they'll know exactly what it is the 341st does," he said. "The mission of this wing is missiles and no one anywhere does it better than you do."