AFSPC commander bids farewell to missile wings

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daylena Gonzalez
  • Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --  Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, traveled to three bases Nov. 12 and 13 to say farewell to three missile wings and the strategic deterrent mission.

General Kehler met with wing leaders and held a commander's call at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren Air Force bases.  The wing staffs at each base were working toward transitioning to Air Force Global Strike Command on Dec 1.

During each visit, General Kehler stressed the importance of the strategic deterrence mission and the high standards it requires. He urged the organizations to stay focused on meeting the challenges of the transition to AFGSC.

"Perfection is the standard ... it is a mindset that defines who you are and what you do. The mission requires extraordinary adherence to this standard, which requires hands-on leadership and constant commitment to accomplish it," General Kehler said. "We've come a long way, we've made progress, but it's not time for high fives.

"I'm proud of all of you. Thank you for what you're doing. What an honor and privilege it has been to have the ICBM force as part of Air Force Space Command. Stay focused. Our country demands that of us ... of you."

The move of the 90th Missile Wing, 91st Missile Wing, and 341st Missile Wing to AFGSC is part of an Air Force plan to consolidate strategic nuclear resources, including those from Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command, under a single commander.

Space and missile wings have been part of AFSPC since 1993, but as part of the Air Force's nuclear roadmap developed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, combining strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities under a single major-command-level organization will better serve the needs of combatant commanders worldwide.