LOCATION - USA, Northern Tier, Montana, Cascade County, City of Great Falls; Great Falls has a hometown atmosphere, the people are friendly and the city is clean. The area is filled with Scenic beauty & natural wonders.
HISTORY - Malmstrom's history begins in 1939. Initiated by concern over the war in Europe, the Chamber of Commerce contacted Montana's senators and requested consideration of establishing a military installation in Great Falls. Construction on Great Falls Army Air Base began in June 1942. On November 30, 1942, the first B-17 Flying Fortress landed at Great Falls Army Air Base. Great Falls was a northern tier location for heavy bomber training. The B-17 training program ended in October 1943. Through the Lend Lease Program aircraft and supplies were given to the Soviet Union to fight the German Army. This continued until September 1945 when World War II ended. In 1954, the Vice Commander, Col Einar Axel Malmstrom, died when his T-33 crashed. Although his tenure was short, he was well liked by the local community. On June 15th, 1956, the base was officially dedicated as Malmstrom AFB. Since the first B-17 landed here, Malmstrom has had a variety of missions. The first Minuteman ICBM arrived on base by rail July 23, 1962. Later that year the missiles assigned to the nations first Minuteman ICBM wing would play a major role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. President Kennedy said the Soviets backed down because they knew he had an "Ace in the Hole," referring directly to the Minuteman missiles of the 10th Missile Squadron.
MISSION - The mission of the 341st Space Wing is to keep America free and strong by providing combat-ready people and aerospace forces. Currently Malmstrom is home to 200 Minuteman III ICBMs, 50 in each of 4 squadrons, the 10th, the 12th, the 490th, and the 564th. A detailed life extension program is under way to keep the missiles safe, secure, and reliable well into the 21st Century.
POPULATION SERVED - Malmstrom is the youngest community in Montana and the youngest workforce in the Air Force. 53% of officers are Lieutenants and 55% of enlisted are Airmen - Staff Sergeant. Of our 4000+ employees, 88% are military members and 12% are civil servants.
SPONSORSHIP - Sponsors are assigned by the gaining unit. If you do not hear from your sponsor within 60 days of your reporting date, contact your local MPF or Family Support Center. They will coordinate with your gaining unit to arrange for a sponsor. All newcomers deserve a sincere helping hand getting settled on base and in the community. Contact the Airman & Family Readiness Flight DSN 632-4900 or Commercial 406-731-4900 for loan locker items and other information you may need.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS - If you arrive between 0730 - 1630, report to your unit orderly room. If you arrive after duty hours, on a weekend, or a holiday, the 24 hour arrival point is the Malmstrom Inn (406) 727-8600. Please call them ahead of your arrival to make reservations. All military members residing in the Temporary Living Facility are authorized to remain there for up to 30 days; however only 10 days will be reimbursed. Pets are not allowed in the facilities or in the parking lot.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE - The Airman & Family Readiness Flight (formerly known as the Family Support Center) (406) 731-4900 has the Loan Closet available for you to borrow basic items to help you until your household goods arrive. All 1st duty station airmen will be assigned to the First Term Airmen Center (FTAC) for the first 2 weeks after arrival. All others will be scheduled to attend the Right Start seminar which will give you in depth information about our base and the area.