Under the just-released QDR, the Air Force will reduce its Minuteman III ICBM fleet by 50 missiles. Officials would not provide details as to which Minuteman base would take the cut. Speculation has started, with the Great Falls Tribune reporting that one squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., would be a logical candidate, according to Brig. Gen. Tom Deppe, commander of 20th Air Force, which oversees USAF missile operations. The reason: One of Malmstrom’s missile squadron’s has a different control system than used in the other nine squadrons. It would make financial sense to eliminate the oddball. However, Deppe added that Air Force Space Command could use another financial test—a missile facility’s distance from its home base.
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.