MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee Payne, right, accepts command of the 490th Missile Squadron from Col. Stephen Meister, 341st Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, June 12, 2026. The 490th MS provides ready nuclear combat capability with continuously on-alert Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) forces for long range global strike operations and nuclear deterrence in support of the President of the United States and the Commander, United States Strategic Command. The 490th MS operates and maintains five missile alert facilities and 50 ICBMs encompassed in a 5,500 square-mile area of responsibility.