Under the just-released QDR, the Air Force will reduce its Minuteman III ICBM fleet by 50 missiles. Officials would not provide details as to which Minuteman base would take the cut. Speculation has started, with the Great Falls Tribune reporting that one squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., would be a logical candidate, according to Brig. Gen. Tom Deppe, commander of 20th Air Force, which oversees USAF missile operations. The reason: One of Malmstrom’s missile squadron’s has a different control system than used in the other nine squadrons. It would make financial sense to eliminate the oddball. However, Deppe added that Air Force Space Command could use another financial test—a missile facility’s distance from its home base.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.