09 Jan 13. Northrop Grumman Corporation recently joined the Association of Air Force Missileers to commemorate 50 years of nuclear deterrence for the U.S. Air Force’s Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) weapons system. Northrop Grumman has supported the Minuteman ICBM mission through development, production, deployment, modernization and system sustainment, ensuring the weapon system’s safety, security and effectiveness since its inception. Presently, the Northrop Grumman-led ICBM prime team includes Boeing, Lockheed Martin, ATK and more than 20 other subcontractors.
“We salute the Air Force and the Association of Air Force Missileers on this historic milestone for their storied heritage and lasting legacy of ensuring peace through strength,” said Chris Jones, president, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. “The nation and the world are safer places today because of the dedication of the men and women who support the ICBM program.”
The Association of Air Force Missileers recently hosted an event at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., to mark the first Minuteman missile to achieve strategic alert in response to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Northrop Grumman employees attended and connected with former Air Force colleagues to discuss maintenance, security and operations procedures. Many employees working on the company’s ICBM sustainment program are former Air Force service members.
“Our nation’s Minuteman force is not the same weapons system deployed five decades ago,” said Tony Spehar, vice president and program manager, ICBM Systems, Northrop Grumman. “This system is continually modernized using innovative and affordable approaches that ensure mission success. More than ever, our nation’s ICBM force stands fully mission capable 24/7 to deter and dissuade potential conflict involving weapons of mass destruction.”