90th Missile Wing

90th Missile Wing
Unit name	90th Missile Wing
Dates	1942–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Intercontinental ballistic missile wing
Role	Strategic deterrence
Command structure	Twentieth Air Force → Air Force Global Strike Command
Garrison	Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
Motto	"Custos Pacis" (Guardian of Peace)
Battles	World War II, Cold War
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

90th Missile Wing is a major unit of the United States Air Force responsible for operating a significant portion of the nation's land-based intercontinental ballistic missile force. Assigned to the Twentieth Air Force under Air Force Global Strike Command, it is headquartered at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The wing's primary mission is to provide a safe, secure, and effective strategic nuclear deterrent as part of the United States' national defense posture.

History

The unit's origins trace back to its activation as the 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in April 1942, flying B-24 Liberator aircraft during World War II. It earned distinction in the Pacific Theater of Operations, conducting long-range bombing missions from bases like Guadalcanal and participating in key campaigns such as the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Following the war, the unit was inactivated before being redesignated and reactivated in 1963 as a strategic missile wing at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. Throughout the Cold War, it operated Minuteman I and later Minuteman III missiles, standing continuous alert as a cornerstone of the United States' strategic triad. The wing's lineage includes numerous redesignations, reflecting its evolution from a bomber unit to a premier ICBM force.

Mission

The primary mission is to execute, maintain, and support strategic nuclear deterrence through the operation of LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. This involves maintaining a constant state of readiness to respond to national command authority, ensuring the credibility of the nation's strategic deterrent. The wing's personnel conduct around-the-clock alert operations, rigorous maintenance, and security for its dispersed missile facilities across several states. This mission directly supports the objectives of United States Strategic Command and is integral to global strategic stability.

Organization

The wing is organized under a traditional group structure, with several subordinate units specializing in distinct operational and support functions. The 90th Operations Group is responsible for all missile alert and launch control operations. The 90th Maintenance Group handles the maintenance, handling, and transportation of the missiles and associated equipment. The 90th Mission Support Group provides essential base infrastructure, security, logistics, and personnel services. The 90th Medical Group offers comprehensive healthcare to the wing's personnel and their families. This structure ensures a clear chain of command and specialized focus for each critical aspect of the nuclear mission.

Bases and units

The wing is permanently headquartered at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming. Its operational missile fields, however, are geographically dispersed across a vast area of the northern Great Plains. These launch facilities and launch control centers are spread throughout southeastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and northern Colorado. This dispersal enhances survivability and complicates an adversary's targeting strategy. Key subordinate units, including the 319th Missile Squadron, 320th Missile Squadron, and 321st Missile Squadron, are responsible for manning the alert forces and maintaining specific missile alert facilities.

Equipment

The wing's sole weapons system is the LGM-30G Minuteman III, the current land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad. Each missile is housed in a hardened underground launch facility and is connected to an underground launch control center manned by a missile combat crew. The missiles are armed with a thermonuclear warhead, and the system is capable of rapid response following authenticated launch orders. Support equipment includes specialized vehicles for security and maintenance, such as the M1128 Mobile Guardian transporter, and advanced communications systems linking the wing with North American Aerospace Defense Command and National Military Command Center.

Notable commanders

Commanders have included several officers who later achieved high rank or significant distinction within the United States Air Force. Among them is General John Michael Loh, who later served as Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and commander of Air Combat Command. Another is Lieutenant General James M. Kowalski, who later served as deputy commander of United States Strategic Command and commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. The leadership of the wing has historically been a stepping stone to senior positions within the nuclear enterprise and the broader Air Force.

Category:United States Air Force missile wings Category:Military units and formations in Wyoming Category:Military units and formations established in 1942