Malmstrom Air Force Base | Base Overview & Info (2024)

The 341st Missile Wing, headquartered at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, is one of three U.S. Air Force Bases that operates, maintains and secures the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The 341st Missile Wing reports directly to 20th Air Force, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, and is part of Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Mission: “Defend America with combat-ready Airmen and ICBM forces.”

Vision: “Remain the most dominant nuclear-capable force in the world, ready at all times to employ the most powerful weapon system in human existence.”

Malmstrom's history began in 1939, when the Chamber of Commerce contacted Montana’s senators to request the establishment of 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. For more history visit Malmstrom's homepage.

People

Great Falls - 58,835

Malmstrom Air Force Base - approximately 3,800 people, including more than 3,100 active-duty and635 civilians, comprise the 341stMissile Wing.

Malmstrom is located in Great Falls, Montana. Great Falls has a hometown atmosphere, the people are friendly and the city is clean. The area is filled with scenic beauty & natural wonders.

We take great pride in the City of Great Falls and the quality of life we provide our residents. With safe neighborhoods, great schools, abundant recreational opportunities, excellent health care facilities combined with the majestic Montana landscape right in our own backyards – what else could a resident ask for?

Great Falls is home to over 60,000 residents making it Montana’s third largest city. Residents can take advantage of over 58 miles of River’s Edge Trail, can picnic at Gibson Park and Giant Springs Heritage State Park or peruse art at the C.M. Russell Museum or the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, which offer some of our Country’s finest western and contemporary art.

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park offer opportunities to explore Montana’s heritage and history. The Electric City Water Park offers fun for the whole family. Golf fans can take advantage of the community’s four golf courses and the dog park and skate park are popular community amenities.

Great Falls has been described as the perfect blend of big city excitement and small town charm. From local restaurants and unique shopping boutiques, to cultural events and performances at the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts, to skiing and outdoor activities just minutes away there is truly something for everyone to enjoy right here in Great Falls.

Local resources:

• City of Great Falls
• Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
• Cascade County

The Great Falls International Airport serves the Great Falls area and is approx. 9 miles west of MAFB. Taxis or rental cars are readily available at the airport but it is suggested that you have your sponsor transport you to the base. There are no military shuttles from the airport to the base. There is a commercial mass transit bus service in Great Falls buthas limitedschedules.

From the Airport take Interstate 15N to the 10 AveSouth Exit. Head East on 10 Ave South to the East side of Great Falls and take 57st N about 1 mile to the MAFB gate.

The installation is located adjacent to and East of the city of Great Falls in North Central Montana.

The city is approachable from the South, via Interstate 15 from the cities of Butte and Helena. From the West on Highway 200 from the city of Missoula. From the East on Highway 87 from the city of Lewistown. From the Northeast on Highway 87 from the city of Havre, and from the North on Interstate 15 from the city of Shelby.