490th Missile Squadron holds open house

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Members of Fergus County, Stanford and Lewistown leadership along with local news affiliates had a chance to go inside the fence of a 490th Missile Squadron missile alert facility during a guided tour and open house at Mike-01 June 13. 

The visitors were invited onto the site to bolster the current relationship the squadron has with its neighbors and educate them about the strategic deterrent mission the squadron conducts on a daily basis, said Lt. Col. David Mason, 490th MS commander. 

"It is rewarding for them to gain an understanding of our mission," Colonel Mason said. "They met our outstanding Airmen and saw how they work as a team to execute the mission perfectly every day." 

Members of the 490th MS, 40th Helicopter Squadron, 341st Security Forces Group tactical response force, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron and 341st Security Support Squadron, showcased their roles in the strategic deterrent mission. 

"I was impressed with the amount of detail and how specialized the payload transporters are," said Larry Phillips, Lewistown City Commissioner. "The Airmen are top class and a friendly bunch. I wish some of them lived in Lewistown and I hope the Air Force keeps going strong in Montana." 

Cheri Kilby, Fergus County disaster and emergency services coordinator, was impressed with the amount of information they received on the different aspects of the mission. 

Visitors also had a close-up look at a UH-1N Huey helicopter, a payload transporter, a Humvee and multiple small arms including an M-4 carbine, a turret mounted Mk-19 grenade launcher and an M-240B machine gun. 

"It's fascinating to see the weaponry up close, and to see how knowledgeable the Airmen are about it," Mrs. Kilby said. "They take their jobs seriously, and as a citizen, meeting these men and women definitely makes me feel more secure." 

Missile chefs from the 490th MS grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and served them with chips and sodas for lunch. 

"I want to thank everyone who came," Colonel Mason said. "We really enjoyed sharing our mission with them."