Where is Malmstrom Air Force Base?
Malmstrom Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in GREAT FALLS, MONTANA, United States. It is situated about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Great Falls International Airport and approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown Great Falls.
History and Missions
Malmstrom Air Force Base is one of the three intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases in the Air Force’s 41st Operations Group. It has been in operation since 1943, originally serving as a training facility during World War II and the Cold War. After the Korean War, the base began to focus on Strategic Air Command (SAC) operations, operating jet interceptors and participating in NATO’s air defense program.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the base transitioned to focus on ICBMs, deploying the Thor Missile System in the late 1950s and later the Peacekeeper (MX) ICBM in the early 1980s. The base has undergone various updates and modernization initiatives since then, including the deployment of the Peacekeeper’s successor, the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) System, which is scheduled for completion in the 2030s.
Malmstrom AFB Key Statistics
| Information | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Great Falls, Montana, USA |
| Latitude | 47.4903° N |
| Longitude | 111.3444° W |
| Elevation | 3,339 feet (1,021 meters) |
| Number of Airmen | Over 6,400 personnel |
| Aircraft Served | F-101, F-106, RB-47, RF-84, U-2, SR-71 |
| ICBMs Operated | Thor, Peacekeeper, Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) |
Malmstrom Air Force Base Today
Today, Malmstrom Air Force Base is a vital component of the US Air Force’s Nuclear Deterrence Enterprise, providing nuclear missile launch and control functions as part of the USAF’s Air National Guard (ANG). The base is home to approximately 6,400 Airmen, supported by over 1,600 contractors. Missile Maintenance and Development Command (M-MDSC) is based at Malmstrom AFB, responsible for designing, testing, and supporting all nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Malmstrom AFB’s aircraft maintenance and operations sections operate various aircraft, including HC-130N King Comanche, used for reconnaissance and airlift, as well as the RC-135 aircraft for signals intelligence missions.
Community and Demographics
The base has a strong connection to the surrounding GREAT FALLS METROPOLITAN AREA, with many active duty and civilian personnel actively contributing to the local economy and community. The nearby town of GREAT FALLS offers 15 schools, five universities, and a strong local job market.
Key facts about the surrounding Great Falls community:
- Population: 59,308
- Median household income: $44,493
- Median family income: $63,125
- Housing units: 23,134
Conclusion
In summary, Malmstrom Air Force Base is located in Great Falls, Montana, United States, playing a vital role in the USAF’s Nuclear Deterrence Enterprise. As an important hub for missile operations, maintenance, and development, the base requires continuous updates and modernization efforts to ensure the national defense and security of the United States.
