Two Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles -- a Minuteman III and a Peacekeeper -- are now on permanent display near the West Gate of Hill AFB.
The Northern Utah Chapter of the Air Force Association will dedicate the West Gate Missile Park Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. as a permanent monument honoring the men and women who have served the United States within the ICBM Community. These two weapon systems comprise the land-based ICBM leg of our triad of nuclear deterrence.
Ceremony speakers include Maj. Gen. Richard Roellig, Ogden ALC commander; U.S. Congressman Jim Hansen; and Maj. Gen. Thomas Neary, Air Force Space Command's 20th Air Force commander.
A plaque will be unveiled, dedicating the site to "the ever vigilant men and women of our Nation's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile forces" and honoring them for providing strategic deterrance and ensuring freedom during the Cold War.
All base employees are invited to attend. Missile Park is located on M Avenue east of the F-16 monument. A parking area behind the monument is accessed from Arsenal Road. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held in Bldg. 1258's Schriever Conference Room.
The ICBM System Program Office, working with other base agencies ensured the Missile Park became a reality. The 75 Civil Engineer Group contracted out the landscaping, missile pads, concrete arena, and parking area. Personnel within LM processed the missiles completely in house. LM's Propulsion, Reentry, and Guidance Divisions provided the assets for both displays. The Maintenance Division provided a majority of the manpower for transportation, handling, and paint preparation. The emblem and insignia scheme was by the CE Sign Shop and coordinated through the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Fifty of the 71-foot Peacekeeper ICBMs (LG-118A) have been on alert at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyo., since 1986. Sustainment activities of the Peacekeeper have been conducted at Hill AFB for over 14 years. The Peacekeeper's four-stage booster can propel up to 10 Reentry Vehicles at a range greater than 6,000 nautical miles at speeds greater than 15,000 miles per hour. The Peacekeeper is slated for deactivation upon START II entry into force, however no date has yet been set.
The 60-foot Minuteman III LGM-30G is the latest version of a weapon system first deployed in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hill AFB personnel have been responsible for sustaining the Minuteman Weapon System for over 40 years, and today's weapon system is the product of almost 35 years of continuous improvements. Present Air Force plans call for Minuteman IIIs to remain in the inventory through 2020. Air Force Space Command has deployed 500 Minuteman IIIs at F.E. Warren AFB, Minot AFB, N.D., and Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
