Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. — Airman Stephanie Mata-Castellon, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, opens a capsule to check for explosives during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile security operators are on alert day and night to safeguard the most powerful weapon system in the world: the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
By Airman Elijah Van Zandt, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published March 30, 2021
Airman 1st Class Lauren Childers, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, scans the fence line from the interior of a launch facility during an exercise, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Childers provided sweeping security across the launch facility to eliminate any active and all threats to the asset. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman Michelle Clarke, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, exits her Humvee to provide sweeping security during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Clarke exited her Humvee and posted as security at the entrance of the launch facility, a responsibility shared by all missile operators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman 1st Class Jacob Robison, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, posts with his weapon drawn during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile operators are expected to respond to any situation regardless of time or day, weather or opposing force, and the first line of defense to our nation’s assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman Stephanie Mata-Castellon, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, opens a capsule to check for explosives during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile security operators are on alert day and night to safeguard the most powerful weapon system in the world: the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman Joshua Velasquez, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, provides perimeter security during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile security operators utilize Humvees to breach launch facilities in the event of an attack or lapse of security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman 1st Class Christopher Crocker, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, provides security from a turret of a Humvee during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Crocker’s responsibility during the exercise consisted of guarding the perimeter of the launch facility and signaling to other defenders of any enemy movement. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman Vanessa Valderrama, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, provides perimeter security during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile security operators defend launch facilities and missile alert facilities from enemy combatants and conduct routine security checks, day and night. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Airman 1st Class Jacob Robison, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron missile security operator, posts with his weapon drawn during an exercise at a launch facility, March 19, 2021 near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Missile operators conduct exercises around launch facilities against simulated operational forces to stay combat ready in any situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Van Zandt)
Jose J. Sanchez, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Defender Magazine, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington DC, the 416th Security Police Squadron, Griffiss AFB, NY, and the 89th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD
