5/25/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command has announced plans to relocate the command's 24-person Missile Engineer Squadron from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.
"The unit is small but critical, with unique deeply technical capabilities that can best be integrated day-to-day if it is closer to its primary customers -- the missile wings," Lt. Gen. Jim M. Kowalski said. "F.E. Warren (AFB) is the best location to provide this support.
"This relocation and the ongoing munitions maintenance squadron realignments to Global Strike Command are now possible because of the great work of so many Airmen, civilians and contractors who have matured our command over the past couple of years, allowing us to continue to strengthen the Air Force's nuclear enterprise," the general said. "Ultimately, it will enhance our ability to present combat-ready forces to the combatant commander and the president."
The move to F.E. Warren AFB will co-locate the missile engineer unit with one of the three ICBM missile wings it supports.
"It makes sense to keep this unit near a major installation we already have in our command," the general said. "An already close working relationship will be bolstered by a close proximity to the people and equipment they serve."
Officials said efforts are already under way to ensure a smooth transition for the unit's government civilians and military members currently stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo.
When the move is complete, the missile engineer unit will be assigned directly to Global Strike Command headquarters and will continue providing direct real property engineering support to the ICBM bases, a duty squadron members have fulfilled for 44 years.
(Courtesy of Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs)
