The 564th Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., expected to deactivate the last of its 50 Minuteman III ICBMs this week or in early August, according to a July 27 report by the Great Falls Tribune. Once that is done, the Air Force will deactivate the squadron, leaving the 341st Missile Wing with three remaining ICBM operations squadrons and a total of 150 missiles. The 564th began deactivating its ICBMs last summer, after the Air Force gave formal word that Malmstrom was to divest itself of 50 missiles, under a reduction to a total ICBM force of 450 missiles mandated by the Quadrennial Defense Review. There is fresh concern that the next Administration may opt for additional cuts.
A year away from its likely retirement—and 70 years to the day after the first U-2 flight—a two-seat version of the Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force, Calif., set records for distance covered and endurance on a single mission, demonstrating the venerable type’s continuing capability.