Air Force Secretary Michael Donley visited Vandenberg AFB, Calif., June 15-16 to tour the base’s facilities and meet with airmen of the 30th Space Wing. Among his stops was the Joint Space Operations Center, the US military’s hub for managing its space activities, where Lt. Gen. Larry James, 14th Air Force commander, briefed him. “Building the JSpOC mission system is a priority for the Air Force,” said Donley. On June 16, Donley witnessed the test launch of a Minuteman III ICBM. He said the Air Force is focused on sustaining Minuteman out to 2030. “We have not yet reached the point where we are ready to consider or commit to a next-generation ICBM,” he said. Donley said spending time with Vandy’s airmen was the highlight. “They are incredibly talented and are doing great work for our nation,” he said. (Vandenberg release by SrA. Heather R. Shaw)
One Airman was killed and three others injured in a vehicle mishap at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on June 29. Additionally, two first responder Airmen sustained injuries responding to the incident. All five injured Airmen have been transported to nearby medical facilities, according to a release from the base.