Maintainers, team from Vandenberg test new MMXS security components

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron recently began testing new security equipment that would serve as an added measure in the event of an attempt to gain access to a weapons system while in transit between Malmstrom and a launch facility. 

A team from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., visited here from Jan. 9 to 16 to introduce and help run tests on the Payload Transporter Type III Security Enhancement Program. 

"The new components consist of passive and active mitigators - mostly security-enhanced locks and access-delay devices," said Master Sgt. Michael Schmidt, 341st MMXS critical task supervisor. 

The deterrents, including a cage, tear gas and sticky foam, will hamper would-be thieves from getting to the weapon and help incapacitate them until security forces arrive. 

"The system is designed to allow security forces personnel additional response time in the event of an attack against an Air Force asset," Sergeant Schmidt said. 

Maintainers analyzed the capability to include the new component in the payload transporters. The system takes up extra space and tests were held to ensure maintainers would still be able to efficiently perform all tasks with less room. All tests performed were successful and the new component has minimal interference with current mission capabilities. 

"The tests went exceedingly well," said Col. Deborah Kirkhuff, 341st Maintenance Group commander. "The team led by Staff Sgt. Thomas Shugart, MMT team chief, showed the team from Vandenberg what it means to be a missile maintainer at the 341st." 

Though the tests were primarily successful, there are still slight concerns and minor adjustments that need to be made. 

"From the testing conducted here at Malmstrom and at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., the most pressing issue will be the time added to the maintainer's day," Sergeant Schmidt said. "The 341st Space Wing test team completed several major maintenance tasks using the new equipment and did so without adding a significant amount of time to the tasks. The maintenance teams have 16 hours to complete their dispatches to include the drive time which can be as much as three hours each way." 

If the design is approved and the program is implemented, there would be several vehicles at Malmstrom, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., equipped with the new security devices. 

"Although there were some reservations when we started this effort three years ago, the maintenance and security experts at the 20th Air Force and Air Force Space Command Headquarters made great strides to ensure we have a vehicle that both improved security and permitted maintenance operations to proceed," Colonel Kirkhuff said. "This test went a long way toward confirming some of the technology that can be incorporated into the new trailer." 

This new equipment was funded through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at approximately $2.8 million.