Tester meets with Malmstrom Air Force Base Commander to discuss upcoming major construction projects

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester today met with Colonel Tom Wilcox, Commander of the 341st Missile Wing, to discuss the importance of upcoming construction projects at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Wilcox and Tester discussed two of Malmstrom’s major construction priorities. Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee which overseas military construction projects, is fighting to include funding for these projects in upcoming appropriations bills.

Tester is working to secure $19.7 million to construct a new Tactical Response Force Alert Facility that will increase readiness for airmen and allow preparation for the Black Hawk Helicopters that are scheduled to arrive at the base in 2019. Tester is also working to secure an additional $15.8 million for a new Missile Maintenance Dispatch Facility to house equipment, personnel, and vehicles for missile maintenance.

“The airmen at Malmstrom Air Force Base help keep our nation secure and it’s critical that they have up-to-date facilities to successfully carry out their mission,” Tester said. “Colonel Wilcox and I had a great discussion about upcoming construction projects and how important Malmstrom is to north central Montana.”

Tester and Colonel Wilcox also discussed the implementation of the Force Improvement Program which is being initiated to bolster the morale and meet the needs of the airmen carrying out the nuclear mission.

Tester is Co-Chairman of the Senate Air Force Caucus, a 35-Senator caucus that is responsible for addressing issues impacting the Air Force and its personnel. Today, he spoke to the caucus, his remarks can be viewed here.

Earlier this month, Tester met with Colonel Wilcox in Great Falls and toured Malmstrom Air Force Base. In July, Tester secured assurance from Air Force Secretary Deborah James that Malmstrom’s 819th RED HORSE Squadron will remain in Great Falls.