Base History \ Arrival
Malmstrom Air Force Base 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. The base operator's phone number is 406-731-1110 or DSN 312-632-1110.
History
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.
Mission
The misson of the 341st Missile Wing Global Strike Command (GSC) is to keep America free and strong by providing combat-ready people and aerospace forces. Currently Malmstrom is home to 150 Minuteman III ICBMs, 50 in each of 3 squadrons, the 10th, the 12th, and the 490th. 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. Fifty-one percent of officers are Lieutenants and 77% of enlisted are Airmen-Staff Sergeants. Of our more than 4,000 employees, 88% are military members and 12% are civilian employees.
Directions to Malmstrom AFB
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.
Airports
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 but has limited schedules.
From the Airport take Interstate 15N to the 10st South Exit. Head East on 10st South to the East side of Great falls and take 57st N about 1 mile to the MAFB gate.
Homes Near Base
