Air Force undersecretary gets close look at nuclear enterprise Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Valerie Mullett 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFNS) -- The undersecretary of the Air Force made her second visit to an Air Force Global Strike Command wing when she received a firsthand view of the ICBM nuclear deterrence and global strike mission Aug. 26 at the 341st Missile Wing here. Erin C. Conaton first visited AFGSC headquarters and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., in May, less than three months after being confirmed for her position. Following her visit here, she will travel to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. "I want to really say thank you to every person in this room, every person associated with this mission," Ms. Conaton said at the all-call during her visit. "It truly is one of the most important our Airmen perform." Ms. Conaton also recognized the base's energy efficiency initiatives. Her visit here followed her attendance at a three-day Nevada Forum in Las Vegas to brainstorm ideal ways to blend military missions with renewable energy projects. "One thing I was thrilled to see here is that you all have done a great job decreasing the amount of energy you use on the installation," she said. "Every dollar the Air Force is not spending on electricity or fuel is another dollar that can be invested in other programs." During her visits to AFGSC wings, the undersecretary met with Airmen, toured missile facilities and static displays of aircraft, visited quality-of-life assets such as child development centers and base housing, and held all-calls in order to gain a better understanding of the mission and to discuss issues impacting Airmen. At Whiteman AFB, Ms. Conaton will tour a B-2 Spirit bomber, new base housing and a weapons-load trainer. She also will meet with the Airmen of the 509th Bomb Wing as well as local civic leaders.