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Defense Science Board Permanent Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Surety reviews Warren's progress

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  At the request of the secretary of defense, the Defense Science Board Permanent Task Force on Nuclear Weapons Surety visited F. E. Warren as part of an independent and objective review of the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise from Sept. 19 to 21.

"The visit to F. E. Warren Air Force Base by the PTF, chaired by General Larry Welch, USAF (Ret), is a follow up to the PTF review performed from July to October 2011," said Col. George Farfour, 90th Missile Wing vice commander. "The PTF will review issue areas identified in their April 2011 report, as well as changes that have occurred since the original review.

"During the PTF's visit to Warren, they had the opportunity to meet with wing senior leadership, both officer and enlisted personnel, observe a 90th Operations Group mass briefing and mission planning, and tour the weapons storage area. They also met with the 20th Air Force commander and his senior leadership team, focusing on the nuclear enterprise sustainment, modernization, and policy processes."

Welch credited what 90th OG Airmen do every day with being instrumental in deterring foreign nuclear threats.

"You are who makes our potential enemies realize that to take out the U.S. nuclear deterrent, you have to make a massive attack on the U.S. homeland, and, even then, many of our missiles will still be left," Welch said.

Welch also mentioned his pleasant surprise at the longevity of the Minutman III, the ICBMs managed by F. E. Warren.

"They've lasted longer than anybody thought they would," Welch said. "It's a great system, and, who knows, maybe your grandchildren will be sustaining the Minuteman III."

Warren is not the last stop on the PTF's tour of reviews.

"The PTF will visit various bases and organizations throughout the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise before issuing a report on their findings to the secretary of defense," Farfour said.