Tester, Walsh hail new positions at Malmstrom

Senators: 216 new jobs coming to Great Falls

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh today released the following statements about the 216 new positions at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Malmstrom is one of three Air Force bases nationwide that house Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

Senator Tester, who just today helped shape and approve the Defense Department budget bill that funds the Air Force and its ICBM fleet as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said:

“The Air Force is recognizing the critical role of ICBMs in our national security, and Montana’s long history of defending our nation. These new positions will help safeguard not just our nuclear missiles, but also Malmstrom’s and Montana Airmen’s central role in our national defense.”

Senator Walsh, a 33-year veteran of the National Guard and the Senate’s only Iraq War combat veteran, said:

“The addition of 216 jobs for Malmstrom is welcome news and a strong step in the right direction to maintaining the base’s long-term mission. This investment is great for Montana and right for our national security interests. I will continue to do everything I can to continue to strengthen Malmstrom Air Force Base.”

Tester, who lives north of Great Falls in Big Sandy, has long-fought to protect Malmstrom’s ICBMs, previously preventing the Air Force from reducing missile silos at Malmstrom.

The new positions are expected to be security forces and missile operators.