The Ace in the Hole

Montana may seem a long way from international events, yet it was once in the forefront of a confrontation between the United States and Soviet Union. In October 1962, American President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev stood toe-to-toe over the issue of Soviet missiles based on launch pads in Cuba. Kennedy insisted they be removed, while Khrushchev and Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro vowed they would stay. For thirteen days the world teetered on the edge of a war between the two superpowers but President Kennedy had an “Ace in the Hole” – the new Minuteman I missiles, which stood ready in underground launch facilities in Montana. The missiles were part of the Air Force’s recently-activated 341st Strategic Missile Wing, headquartered at nearby Malmstrom Air Force Base. The first missile, at the Alpha-06 launch facility, went on-line during the crisis and provided a significant deterrent to Khrushchev’s plans. The Alpha-06 launch facility, and many others like it, is still operational today and continues to protect the United States under the watch of the men and women of the 341st Space Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base.