Today Show features Malmstrom Airmen, mission

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kate Rust
  • Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  Normally, seeing Airmen scramble around an intercontinental ballistic missile wing might make you think it's time to run for cover. This time, however, the wing's hustle centered on being featured live on a national news program.

NBC's Al Roker and the Today Show broadcast live from the 341st Space Wing here May 6 as part of their "Access Granted" series, which puts cameras in high-security places. The Minuteman III ICBM and the Airmen who operate, maintain, secure and support it, play a major role in America's national security every day.

"When I first found out about the NBC news crew wanting to tape at a launch control center and missile alert facility, my initial concern was with the security of the system," said Col. Paul Gydesen, 341st Space Wing vice commander. "We've had to work out a lot of logistics to make this happen, but the great folks on base did some good planning and it's all coming together. This (broadcast showcased) how great the Airmen at Malmstrom are performing here."

Malmstrom is one of three U.S. Air Force bases that maintains and operates the Minuteman III ICBMs. The other two wings are the 90th SW at Frances E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and the 91st SW at Minot AFB, N.D.

The mission of the 341st Space Wing is to keep America free and strong by providing combat-ready people and aerospace forces. The wing reports directly to 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren AFB, and is part of Air Force Space Command, headquartered at Peterson AFB, Colo.

"It's great [the NBC news crew] is here focusing on our [ICBM] mission," said Airman 1st Class David Blais, a 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron mobile fire team member. "They're telling our story and letting people know what we do out here.

"I'm excited about the whole thing and am going to call my parents tonight to tell them I'll be on the 'Today Show' tomorrow." Airman Blais said. He was interviewed by Mr. Roker atop a HUMVEE May 5.

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