The 564th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., expected to deactivate the last of its 50 Minuteman III ICBMs this week or in early August, according to a July 27 report by the Great Falls Tribune. Once that is done, the Air Force will deactivate the squadron, leaving the 341st Missile Wing with three remaining ICBM operations squadrons and a total of 150 missiles. The 564th began deactivating its ICBMs last summer, after the Air Force gave formal word that Malmstrom was to divest itself of 50 missiles, under a reduction to a total ICBM force of 450 missiles mandated by the Quadrennial Defense Review. There is fresh concern that the next Administration may opt for additional cuts.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
