01/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2026 11:07
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Jan. 21, to assess the readiness, sustainment and modernization efforts supporting the land-based leg of the nation's nuclear triad.
"The Airmen at F.E. Warren are pivotal in providing a secure, capable and ready intercontinental ballistic missile force," Meink said. "I was super impressed with the 'Mighty Ninety Wranglers' as they are ready today with the Minuteman III to defend our national interests, while also modernizing towards Sentinel."
"The 90 MW plays a critical role in maintaining a secure, ready, and credible deterrent force," said Col. Terrance Holmes, 90th MW commander. "This visit allowed us to demonstrate how our Airmen execute today's mission while deliberately preparing for the future of the ICBM enterprise."
While touring operational and support facilities, Meink observed how the 90th MW executes precision operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across a 9,600-square-mile missile complex.
The secretary later visited a Minuteman III launch facility, where he spoke with Airmen responsible for ensuring the weapon system remains ready to respond if called upon at any time. Discussions focused on sustainment priorities and infrastructure modernization supporting the transition to Sentinel, the largest works project undertaken since the interstate program under President Eisenhower.
Meink also received an immersion at the 37th Helicopter Squadron to observe how the UH-1N Hueycurrently supports missile operations by providing security response, passenger transport and other critical roles. Additionally, Meink was able to see preparations for the future beddown of the MH-139 Grey Wolf, including requirements for crash and fire response capabilities and aircraft ground equipment facilities.
F.E. Warren AFB remains a cornerstone of the nation's nuclear deterrence mission, executing today's intercontinental ballistic missile operations while advancing modernization efforts that will define the future of deterrence.