SENATOR JON TESTER

Fighting for Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana National Guard
JUNE 25, 2015: The Senate Appropriations Committee approves the FY2016 Transportation Housing and
Urban Development appropriations bill, which includes Tester-authored language to direct the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) to coordinate with the Defense Department and the Air Force on a regular
basis to ensure safety and to review the Air Forces compliance regarding the expansion of the Powder
River Training Complex in southeast Montana
JUNE 18, 2015: Tester supports Senate passage of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which
includes Tester priorities to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, to modernize our ICBM
arsenal, and to devote additional resources in support of the Air Forces Force Improvement Program
JUNE 16, 2015: Tester meets with Col. Tom Wilcox, Commander of Malmstrom, receives a briefing from
Malmstrom leadership, and tours a number of facilities on base.
JUNE 11, 2015: The Senate Appropriations Committee approves the FY2016 Defense Appropriations Act,
which includes Tester-authored language to prevent the relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets
currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base until the Air Force provides additional cost justification
for such a decision. It also includes Tester priorities to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130
fleet, to modernize our ICBM arsenal, and to devote additional resources in support of the Air Forces Force
Improvement Program.
MAY 21, 2015: The Senate Appropriations Committee approves the FY2016 Military Construction and
Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which includes Tester-authored language to prevent the relocation of
RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base until the Air Force
provides additional cost justification for such a decision. It also includes Tester priorities to support military
construction projects at Malmstrom and to require the Air Force to more closely examine the adequacy of
the current housing allowance available to the airmen at Malmstrom.
MAY 6, 2015: At a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Tester raises concerns with Ash Carter,
Secretary of Defense, and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that the U.S. is
disproportionately shouldering the burden for military operations overseas and should increase efforts to
solicit additional host-nation contributions from our allies.
APRIL 29, 2015: At a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with General Frank Grass, Chief of
the National Guard, and Lieutenant General Stanley Clarke, Director of the Air National Guard, Tester
urges expedited efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, and raises concerns about
the potential relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force
Base.
APRIL 23, 2015: Tester meets General Frank Grass, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to express
support for efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, to advocate for the relocation
of Modular Airborne Firefighting System units to Montana, and to raise concerns about the potential
relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
APRIL 22, 2015: Tester meets with Deborah Lee James, Air Force Secretary, to express support for efforts
to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet and to modernize our ICBM arsenal. He also
advocated for additional resources toward the Air Forces Force Improvement Program and for relocation of
Modular Airborne Firefighting System units to Montana. Additionally, he raised concerns about the
potential relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom.

APRIL 22, 2015: Tester meets with Lt Gen Stephen Wilson, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike
Command, to express support for the purchase of new vehicles and helicopters to transport airmen and
security personnel to and from the missile fields. He also pledged support for ICBM modernization and
maintenance efforts, and expressed an expectation that the Defense Department would not reduce U.S.
nuclear forces below the levels set forth in the New START Force Structure plan.
APRIL 15, 2015: Tester meets with Lieutenant General Stanley Clarke, Chief of the Air National Guard, to
express support for efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, to advocate for the
relocation of Modular Airborne Firefighting System units to Montana, and to raise concerns about the
potential relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
APRIL 15, 2015: At a Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Tester raises concerns
with Lieutenant General Stanley Clarke, Chief of the Air National Guard, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff
for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support and Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, about the
potential relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
He also advocates for a number of ongoing and future military construction projects for Malmstrom, and
expresses support for efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet.
MARCH 24, 2015: Tester meets with leadership of the Montana Defense Alliance to update them on
developments regarding MANG and Malmstrom, and to discuss opportunities to advocate on behalf of
Montanas role in our nations defense.
MARCH 24, 2015: Tester announces that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the
Powder River Training Complex expansion in southeast Montana, and has included a number of Testeradvocated concessions to improve safety and reduce interference with local air traffic. Tester vows to hold
the Air Force and the FAA accountable as this expansion moves forward to ensure it does not negatively
impact general aviation, agriculture production or energy development.
MARCH 23, 2015: Tester announces that he is a Co-Chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus in the 114th
Congress, and expresses a desire to build support for his efforts to modernize our nations ICBM fleet and
ensure our C-130s continue to play a pivotal role in our nations security and states emergency response.
MARCH 17, 2015: At a Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Tester raises
concerns with Brig. Gen. Timothy Green, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and
Mission Support and Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, about the potential relocation of RED HORSE
personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He also advocated for a number of
ongoing and future military construction projects for Malmstrom.
MARCH 11, 2015: Tester meets with Brigadier General Timothy Green, Air Force Director of Civil
Engineers, to advocate for military construction projects at Malmstrom and to raise concerns about the
potential relocation RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom.
MARCH 9, 2015: Tester sends a letter to Deborah Lee James, Air Force Secretary, to express his support of
Air Force plans to replace its ICBM security force fleet of UH-1N helicopters with new helicopters that are
more efficient, safe and cost-effective.
MARCH 11, 2015: Tester introduces legislation to rename the Captain William Wylie Galt Great Falls
Armed Forces Readiness Center as the Captain John E. Moran and Captain William Wylie Galt Armed
Forces Reserve Center in honor of the service of two Montana Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

FEBRUARY 25, 2015: At a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Deborah Lee James, Air
Force Secretary, and General Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Tester expresses support for
efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, and raises concerns about the potential
relocation RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom.
FEBRUARY 10, 2015: Tester meets with Ash Carter, Nominee for Defense Secretary, to express support
for efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet and to modernize our ICBM arsenal.
He also raises concerns about the potential relocation of RED HORSE personnel and assets currently
stationed at Malmstrom, and the reallocation of Army air assets from the Army National Guard.
JANUARY 29, 2015: Tester meets with Michael Huerta, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Administrator, to raise concerns with a proposal to expand the Powder River Training Complex in southeast
Montana. Tester raises concerns about how this proposal could negatively impact general aviation,
agriculture production and energy development in Montana.
JANUARY 28, 2015: Tester sends a letter to Michael Huerta, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to
request a meeting to raise concerns with a proposal to expand the Powder River Training Complex in
southeast Montana. Tester raised concerns about how this proposal could negatively impact general
aviation, agriculture production and energy development in Montana.
JANUARY 16, 2015: Tester announces Air Force approval of a proposal to expand the Powder River
Training Complex in southeast Montana. In doing so, the Air Force announces a number of Testeradvocated concessions to improve safety and reduce interference with local air traffic. Tester vows to make
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aware of his concerns prior to FAA approval of the Air Force
proposal.
JANUARY 15, 2015: Tester sends a letter to Deborah Lee James, Air Force Secretary, to highlight the
importance of the nuclear mission at Malmstrom, and to emphasize the urgent need for the Air Force to
purchase new vehicles and helicopters to transport airmen and security personnel to and from the missile
fields.
JANUARY 15, 2015: Tester proposes legislation to prohibit the Air Force from occupying low-level
airspace over the Bakken oil region near Baker, Montana.
JANUARY 7, 2015: Tester is appointed as Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committees
Subcommittee on Military Construction, and as a Member of the Subcommittee on Defense.
JANUARY 7, 2015: Tester meets with Air Force leadership to discuss concerns with an Air Force proposal
to expand the Powder River Training Complex in southeast Montana. He raises concerns about how this
proposal could negatively impact general aviation, agriculture production and energy development.
DECEMBER 16, 2014: The President signs into law H.R.83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act. The bill includes a number of Tester-authored provisions, including a provision to
prevent the Air Force from relocating RED HORSE personnel and assets currently stationed at Malmstrom
unless it provides a report justifying such a decision from an operational and budget perspective, and a
provision that allows the Air Force to devote more resources toward upgrading the Montana Air National
Guards C-130 fleet. The bill also includes $38 million to repair and modernize the Montana Army National
Guards readiness center in Helena, funding in support of ICBM modernization and maintenance efforts,
and a provision to prevent the Defense Department from reducing U.S. nuclear forces below the levels set
forth in the New START Force Structure plan.

DECEMBER 18, 2014: Tester meets with leadership of the Montana Defense Alliance to update them on
developments regarding MANG and Malmstrom, and to discuss opportunities to advocate on behalf of
Montanas role in our nations defense.
DECEMBER 15, 2015: Tester and the Montana delegation sent a letter to Deborah Lee James, Air Force
Secretary, and Michael Huerta, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, to raise concerns
with an Air Force proposal to expand the Powder River Training Complex in southeast Montana that could
negatively impact general aviation, agriculture production and energy development in Montana.
DECEMBER 12, 2014: Tester supports Senate passage of the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA). The bill includes a number of Tester-authored provisions, including a provision that allows the
Air Force to devote more resources toward upgrading the Montana Air National Guards C-130 fleet, and a
provision that directs the Air Force to retain all ICBM in warm status throughout the duration of the New
START Treaty.
NOVEMBER 12, 2014: Tester sends a letter to the Armed Services Committee leadership, to express his
support for a provision that would ensure the Air Force retains all ICBM silos in warm status throughout the
duration of the New START Treaty.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2014: Tester sends a letter to Deborah Lee James, Air Force Secretary, to express his
opposition to the Air Forces proposal to downsize the RED HORSE Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force
Base.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2014: Tester meets with General Darren McDew, Commander of Air Force Air
Mobility Command, to express support for efforts to upgrade the Montana Air National Guards C-130
fleet.
JULY 30, 2014: Tester meets with Deborah Lee James, Air Force Secretary, to express his strong support
for maintaining all ICBM silos in warm status under New START, and to highlight the role played by the
airmen at MANG and Malmstrom in our nations security.
JULY 17, 2014: Tester secures provisions in the FY2015 Defense Appropriations bill that allow for the
modernization of MANGs C-130s and Malmstroms ICBMs, and preserves all missile silos in warm status.
The bill also provides $38 million to repair and modernize the Montana Army National Guards readiness
center in Helena.
JULY 9, 2014: Tester meets with General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to
express his strong support for ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, and to
highlight the critical role played by Montana in our nations defense.
JUNE 26, 2014: Tester meets with Major General Sandra Finan, Commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons
Center, to express his strong support for ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear
triad, and to highlight the critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
JUNE 18, 2014: Tester meets with Admiral Cecil Haney, Commander of US Strategic Command, to
express his strong support for ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, and to
highlight the critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
JUNE 18, 2014: Tester sent a letter to Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, to request
information on the rationale behind the decision to reduce the 819th RED HORSE Squadron at Malmstrom

by 157 Airmen, and to highlight the important role played by the 819th in synergy with the Air National
Guards 219th RED HORSE Squadron.
JUNE 17, 2014: Tester meets with Major General Garrett Harencak, Air Force Assistant Chief of Staff for
Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, to express his strong support for ICBMs, and to highlight the
critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
MAY 31, 2014: Tester attends event at Gore Hill that celebrates the change of mission of the 120th Airlift
Wing and the retirement of Brigadier General Brad Livingston.
MAY 20, 2014: Tester meets with leadership of the Montana Defense Alliance to update them on
developments regarding MANG and Malmstrom, and to discuss opportunities to advocate on behalf of
Montanas role in our nations defense.
MAY 15, 2014: Tester meets with Mr. Mark Correll, Deputy Air Force Civil Engineer, to express opposition
to the Air Forces proposal to redeploy approximately 157 Airmen from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron at
Malmstrom.
MAY 7, 2014: Tester meets with Major General Jack Weinstein, Commander of the 20th Air Force, to
express his strong support for ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, and to
highlight the critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
APRIL 29, 2014: As the keynote speaker at a Strategic Nuclear Triad symposium sponsored by the Air
Force Association and Reserve Officers Association, Tester expresses his strong support for ICBMs as the
most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, and to highlight the critical role played by
Malmstrom Air Force Base.
APRIL 8, 2014: The Defense Department announces its preferred force structure under New START,
which meets Testers long-stated expectation of no less than 400 deployed ICBMs, for all 450 Minuteman
III silos to remain on warm status, and for all ICBM reductions to be split evenly amongst the three missile
bases.
MARCH 27, 2014: Tester speaks with Deborah James, Air Force Secretary, regarding workforce issues
within the nuclear mission.
MARCH 20, 2014: The Defense Department announces that it will halt plans to proceed with an
environmental assessment on the elimination of Minuteman III silos.
MARCH 5, 2014: Tester speaks with Eric Fanning, Under Secretary of the Air Force, to demand that the
Defense Department cease any plans to proceed with an environmental assessment on the elimination of
Minuteman III silos, and to confirm that the completion of such an assessment could not meet the timelines
required under the New START Treaty.
MARCH 4, 2014: Tester speaks with Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to demand that the Defense
Department cease any plans to proceed with an environmental assessment on the elimination of Minuteman
III silos.
FEBRUARY 26, 2014: Tester meets with Madelyn Creedon, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global
Strategic Affairs; Admiral James Winnefeld, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Eric Fanning,
Under Secretary of the Air Force, to demand that the Defense Department cease any plans to proceed with
an environmental assessment on the elimination of Minuteman III silos.

FEBRUARY 20, 2014: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to demand the legal
justification for the Defense Departments intention to proceed with an environmental assessment on the
elimination of Minuteman III silos despite a specific prohibition on such a study currently in law.
JANUARY 30, 2014: Tester speaks with Deborah James, Air Force Secretary, regarding workforce issues
within the nuclear mission.
JANUARY 22, 2014: Tester meets with Deborah James, Air Force Secretary, in Great Falls to highlight the
critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base, and to discuss workforce issues within the nuclear
mission.
JANUARY 16, 2014: Tester sends a letter to Sylvia Burwell, Director of the Office of Management and
Budget, and Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to stress the cost-effectiveness of the ICBM leg of the triad
and to oppose any environmental studies on the elimination of ICBM silos in the FY2015 budget.
JANUARY 6, 2014: Tester sends a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, to express support
for a prohibition on any environmental studies on the elimination of ICBM silos in FY2015.
DECEMBER 19, 2013: Tester supports Senate passage of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act,
which includes Tester-supported provisions to prohibit the Air Force from obligating more than half of the
funding necessary for an environmental study on the elimination of ICBM silos until the Defense
Department submits its New START implementation plan to Congress, to ensure all ICBM silos are kept on
warm status, and to ensure that any ICBM reductions do not disproportionately impact one base. The bill
also authorizes $22 million for military construction at MANG.
DECEMBER 19, 2013: Tester meets with Deborah James, Air Force Secretary, to discuss the mission
conversion at MANG, implementation of the New START Treaty and the role of Malmstrom.
DECEMBER 17, 2013: Tester speaks with Robert Hale, the Defense Department Comptroller, to highlight
a provision in the FY2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act that prohibits funding for any environmental
studies on the elimination of ICBM silos, and to advocate for the long-term role of ICBMs.
DECEMBER 12, 2013: Tester supports Senate passage of the FY2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act,
including a Tester provision that prohibits funding for any environmental studies on the elimination of
ICBM silos and $22 million for military construction at MANG.
DECEMBER 9, 2013: Tester speaks with Robert Hale, the Defense Department Comptroller, to urge the
Defense Department not to proceed with an environmental study on the elimination of ICBM silos until
Congress has had a final say in the matter.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013: Tester speaks with Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to express opposition to any
environmental studies on the elimination of ICBM silos, to advocate that all ICBM silos be kept on warm
status, and to ensure that any ICBM reductions do not disproportionately impact one base.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013: Tester meets with Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee,
to advocate for provisions in the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit funding for an
environmental study on the elimination of ICBM silos, to preserve all ICBM silos on warm status, and to
ensure any ICBM reductions do not disproportionately impact one base.

NOVEMBER 13, 2013: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to express continued
opposition to any environmental study of the elimination of ICBM silos. The letter indicates that the ICBM
Coalition will hold Deborah James nomination as Air Force Secretary until the Department affirms it will
not move forward with such a study.
OCTOBER 30, 2013: Tester meets with Lieutenant General Joseph Lengyel, Vice Chief of Air National
Guard Bureau, to discuss the mission conversion at MANG.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to oppose a Defense
Department proposal to conduct an environmental assessment on the elimination of ICBM silos.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2013: Tester meets with Deborah Jones, nominee for Air Force Secretary, to discuss the
mission conversion at MANG, implementation of the New START Treaty and the role of Malmstrom.
AUGUST 23, 2013: Tester sends a letter to the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, to
urge it to fully credit the importance of homeland security missions and ensure a balanced recapitalization of
Air National Guard assets to guarantee Guard capability and capacity for domestic response operations.
AUGUST 1, 2013: Tester secures a bipartisan amendment to the FY2014 Defense Appropriations bill to
block funding for any environmental studies on the elimination of ICBM silos.
JUNE 18, 2013: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to urge the Defense Department
to provide assurances that the mission conversion at MANG proceeds seamlessly and expeditiously, and
that steps are taken to mitigate job losses.
MARCH 28, 2013: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, Defense Secretary, to voice continued support for
an ICBM force of at least 420 missiles and 450 warm silos, and to urge the Defense Department to make
future ICBM cuts proportionately across the these missile bases.
JANUARY 30, 2013: Tester sends a letter to Chuck Hagel, nominee for Defense Secretary, to seek clarity
on Hagels position on a Global Zero report he co-authored that called for the elimination of the ICBM leg
of the nuclear triad.
DECEMBER 21, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to seek clarity on the
costs of transferring F-15s out of Montana, as well as the lifespan and mission of C-130 H-models.
DECEMBER 19, 2012: Tester speaks with Barbara Mikulski, Senate Appropriations Chair, to highlight the
mission conversion at MANG and steps that could be taken to make the conversion seamless and mitigate
job losses.
DECEMBER 6, 2012: Tester sends a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services
Committees, to request support for a provision in the FY2013 Defense Authorization Act that would place a
freeze of the transfer of Air Force manpower and assets, including F-15s assigned to MANG, until the
National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force presents its findings to Congress.
DECEMBER 4, 2012: Tester supports Senate passage of the FY2013 Defense Authorization Act, which
includes Tester-supported provisions to place a freeze of the transfer of Air Force manpower and assets,
including F-15s assigned to MANG, until the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force
presents its findings to Congress, and to ensure that all of Malmstroms ICBMs remain active and fully
maintained.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012: Tester supports passage of a continuing funding resolution that prevents the Air
Force from retiring, divesting or transferring any assets, including F-15s assigned to MANG, through the
end of March 2013.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2012: As the keynote speaker at a Strategic Nuclear Triad symposium sponsored by the
Air Force Association and Reserve Officers Association, Tester expresses his strong support for ICBMs as
the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, and to highlight the critical role played by
Malmstrom Air Force Base.
AUGUST 1, 2012: Tester meets with General Mark Welsh, Nominee for Air Force Chief, to advocate for
ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and on behalf of
a long-term flying mission for MANG that preserves jobs.
AUGUST 1, 2012: Tester meets with Lieutenant General James Kowalski, Commander of Air Force Global
Strike Command, to express his strong support for ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective leg of our
nuclear triad, and to highlight the critical role played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
JULY 26, 2012: Tester speaks with Lieutenant General Frank Grass, nominee for National Guard Bureau
Chief, to reinforce his strong support for MANG and the need for a long-term flying mission that preserves
jobs.
JULY 18, 2012: Tester meets with Lieutenant General Harry Wyatt, Air National Guard Director, to
reinforce his strong support for MANG and the need for a long-term flying mission that preserves jobs.
JULY 11, 2012: Tester speaks to military leadership and policymakers at an ICBM Coalition-sponsored
briefing to highlight the reliability and cost-effectiveness of our nations ICBM force, and the critical role
played by Malmstrom Air Force Base.
JUNE 22, 2012: Tester meets with Central Montana Defense Alliance leadership in Great Falls to
announce that the F-15s assigned to MANG would be staying in Montana through at least the end of 2012.
JUNE 22, 2012: In a letter from Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to the leadership of the Armed Services
and Appropriations Committees, the Defense Department announces that Air Force transfers of equipment
and assets planned for FY2012, including the F-15s assigned to MANG, will immediately be halted.
JUNE 7, 2012: Tester meets with Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Chairman, to urge
him to support an immediate halt to any Air Force transfers of equipment and assets planned for FY2012,
including the F-15s assigned to MANG.
JUNE 6, 2012: Tester meets with Daniel Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to
urges him to support an immediate halt to any Air Force transfers of equipment and assets planned for
FY2012, including the F-15s assigned to MANG.
JUNE 6, 2012: Tester speaks with Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to request that the Air Force
immediately halt any transfers of equipment and assets planned for FY2012, including the F-15s assigned to
MANG, until assurances are made that the mission conversion will be seamless and retain jobs.
MAY 29, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to request that the Air Force
immediately halt any planned transfers of F-15 aircraft or equipment from Great Falls to Fresno until
assurances are made that the mission conversion will be seamless and retain jobs.

MAY 24, 2012: The Senate Armed Services Committee passes its FY2013 National Defense Authorization
Act, which includes Tester-supported language to freeze the transfer of Air Force manpower and assets,
including the F-15s assigned to MANG, until the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force
presents its findings to Congress.
MAY 18, 2012: The House of Representatives passes H.R.4310, the FY2013 National Defense
Authorization Act, which allows for MANGs F-15s to be transferred to California in 2012.
MAY 9, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to urge the Air Force to transfer C130J aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to an Air National Guard unit in the United States, such as
MANG.
APRIL 25, 2012: Tester meets with Dr. James Miller, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to discuss the
cost-effectiveness and reliability of our ICBM fleet, and to advocate the need for a long-term flying mission
at MANG that preserves jobs.
MARCH 29, 2012: Tester meets with Lieutenant General Harry Wyatt, Air National Guard Director, to
reinforce support for a long-term flying mission at MANG that preserves jobs.
MARCH 28, 2012: At a hearing of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester secures
a commitment from Terry Yonkers, Air Force Assistant Secretary, and General William Etter, Air National
Guard Deputy Director, to address a potential mission gap by delivering eight C-130s to MANG by 2014.
MARCH 28, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to highlight
the reliability and cost-effectiveness of our nations ICBM force.
MARCH 27, 2012: Tester sends a letter to the President, to express concerns about potential negotiations
with Russia to further reduce nuclear weapons before the implementation of the New START Treaty.
MARCH 23, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to advocate for a C-130
mission that could play a critical role in helping Montana address its disaster response needs.
MARCH 21, 2012: Tester speaks with Elizabeth King, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative
Affairs, to reinforce his support for a C-130 mission coming to MANG that preserves jobs.
MARCH 21, 2012: Tester speaks with representatives from the Central Montana Defense Alliance and
updates them on developments regarding MANG and Malmstrom.
MARCH 15, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, in support of the Air Forces
decision to send a C-130 mission to MANG.
MARCH 7, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to request that the Air
Force take steps to minimize any potential job losses resulting from MANGs mission conversion from F15s to C-130s.
FEBRUARY 29, 2012: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to urge him to look at
closing overseas military bases before making any reductions or closures of military installations in the
United States, such as MANG or Malmstrom.

FEBRUARY 3, 2012: Along with community leaders in Great Falls, Tester announces that MANG will be
converting to a cargo mission with C-130 H-models. The Air Force announces this decision in its FY2013
budget proposal.
JANUARY 26, 2012: Tester speaks with Lieutenant General Harry Wyatt, Air National Guard Director, to
advocate on behalf of a long-term manned flying mission for MANG.
NOVEMBER 15-16, 2011: Tester hosts the Central Montana Defense Alliance for meetings with Air Force
leadership to discuss the future of Malmstrom and MANG.
OCTOBER 27, 2011: Tester secures an assurance from the Air Force not to transfer F-15s from MANG
until the appropriate environmental reviews are completed in Fresno.
OCTOBER 12, 2011: Tester sends a letter to Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, advocating on behalf of
ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and opposing
further reductions in the ICBM force.
AUGUST 4, 2011: Tester speaks with Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to stress that, in the event of F-15s
being transferred from MANG, a replacement mission must be long-term and must preserve jobs.
JULY 27, 2011: Tester meets with Leon Panetta, Defense Secretary, to advocate on behalf of ICBMs as the
most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and to stress that, in the event
of F-15s being transferred from MANG, a replacement mission must be long-term and must preserve jobs.
JULY 14, 2011: Tester introduces an amendment to the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act to
block the Air Force from transferring F-15s from MANG until the appropriate environmental reviews are
completed.
JUNE 28, 2011: Tester sends a letter to General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and General
Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to express concern that a proposed C-27 mission for
MANG would be inadequate to maintain critical defense and homeland security capabilities.
MAY 24, 2011: Tester hosts the Central Montana Defense Alliance for meetings with Air Force leadership
to discuss the future of Malmstrom and MANG.
MARCH 16, 2011: Tester sends a letter to Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to advocate for MANG to
receive a supplemental Target Production Group intelligence mission.
FEBRUARY 4, 2011: Tester meets with Erin Conaton, Air Force Undersecretary, to advocate for a longterm manned flying mission at MANG that preserves jobs.
FEBRUARY 4, 2011: Tester is appointed to the Senate Appropriations Committees Subcommittee on
Military Construction, which determines funding for military construction projects around the world.
NOVEMBER 30, 2010: Tester hosts the Central Montana Defense Alliance for meetings with Air Force
leadership to discuss the future of Malmstrom and MANG.
NOVEMBER 29, 2010: Tester sends a letter to Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to advocate for a
long-term manned flying mission at MANG that preserves jobs.
OCTOBER 13, 2010: Tester speaks with General Norman Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, to advocate

on behalf of ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and
to discuss the implications of New START on Malmstrom.
OCTOBER 8, 2010: Tester meets with MANG leadership in Great Falls to discuss mission opportunities.
JUNE 15, 2010: Tester meets with Major General Donald Alston, Commanding General of 20th Air Force,
to discuss Malmstroms role within the ICBM force and explore future mission opportunities.
APRIL 27, 2010: Tester sends a letter to Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to express opposition to the
proposed transfer of F-15s from MANG until further assurances are made about a long-term replacement
mission that preserves jobs.
APRIL 15, 2010: Tester meets with Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to express opposition to the
proposed transfer of F-15s from MANG until further assurances are made about a long-term replacement
mission that preserves jobs.
MARCH 16, 2010: Tester meets with Vice President Joe Biden, to advocate on behalf of ICBMs as the
most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and to discuss the implications
of New START on Malmstrom.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010: Tester meets with Erin Conaton, nominee for Air Force Undersecretary, to express
opposition to the proposed transfer of F-15s from MANG until further assurances are made about a longterm replacement mission that preserves jobs.
FEBRUARY 11, 2010: Tester meets with General Craig McKinley, National Guard Bureau Chief, to
express opposition to the proposed transfer of F-15s from MANG until further assurances are made about a
long-term replacement mission that preserves jobs.
NOVEMBER 4, 2009: Tester meets with Dr. James Miller, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy,
to advocate on behalf of ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear
deterrent, and to discuss the potential implications of New START on Malmstrom.
NOVEMBER 4, 2009: Tester releases a White Paper that advocates for ICBMs as the most reliable and
cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and calls for preservation of the nations current
fleet of 450 ICBMs.
OCTOBER 23, 2009: Tester sends a letter to the leadership of the Air Force and Air National Guard to
encourage consideration of additional future missions for MANG.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009: Tester sends a letter to Robert Gates, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, advocating
on behalf of ICBMs as the most reliable and cost-effective component of our nations nuclear deterrent, and
to oppose reductions in the ICBM force.
JULY 22, 2009: Tester meets with Lieutenant General Frank Klotz, Commander of Air Force Global Strike
Command, to discuss Malmstroms role within the ICBM force.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009: Tester hosts the Central Montana Defense Alliance for meetings with Air Force
leadership to discuss the future of Malmstrom and MANG.
DECEMBER 2, 2008: Tester meets with Major General Donald Alston, Air Force Assistant Chief of Staff,
to advocate for placing the new Global Strike Command headquarters at Malmstrom.

OCTOBER 21, 2008: Tester speaks with Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to advocate for placing the
new Global Strike Command headquarters at Malmstrom.
OCTOBER 16, 2008: Tester speaks with Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to express opposition to
proposals to transfer F-15s from MANG, and secures a commitment to retain the F-15 mission at MANG
for at least an additional two years.
OCTOBER 9, 2008: Tester speaks with Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, to advocate for placing the
new Global Strike Command headquarters at Malmstrom.
AUGUST 22, 2008: Tester hosts Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, on a tour of Malmstrom and
MANG.
AUGUST 6, 2008: Tester receives an assurance from Michael Donley, Air Force Secretary, that the Air
Force would not reduce the F-15 inventory at MANG in 2010 or immediately thereafter.
JULY 31, 2008: Tester meets with Michael Donley, nominee to be Air Force Secretary, to express
opposition to proposals to transfer F-15s from MANG.
FEBRUARY 4, 2008: Tester announces the release of funding for 382 housing units at Malmstrom.
DECEMBER 18, 2007: Congress gives final approval to two Tester-advocated major construction projects
at Malmstrom to provide $140 million for a family housing development and $7 million for a Community
Activity Center.
OCTOBER 1, 2007: Tester introduces legislation requiring a feasibility study of an active association
between MANG and Malmstrom before the military deactivates the final Minuteman III missiles in the
564th Missile Squadron. That legislation subsequently passes the Senate on December 14, 2007.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2007: Tester meets with William Anderson, Air Force Assistant Secretary for
Installations, Environment and Logistics, to advocate for additional missions for Malmstrom.
JULY 26, 2007: Tester hosts William Anderson, Air Force Assistant Secretary for Installations,
Environment and Logistics, on a tour of Malmstrom.
FEBRUARY 6, 2007: Tester meets with Michael Wynne, Air Force Secretary, to advocate on behalf of
Malmstrom and express disappointment about the Bush Administrations unilateral reduction of 50 ICBMs.
JANUARY 3, 2007: Tester is sworn-in as the 22nd United States Senator from Montana.
MARCH 29, 2006: General James Cartwright, U.S. Strategic Command Commander, announces that the
Bush Administration will be reducing 50 ICBMs from Malmstrom.
FEBRUARY 6, 2006: The Bush Administrations Quadrennial Defense Review declares that US defense
policy will be to reduce the number of deployed Minuteman III ballistic missiles from 500 to 450
beginning in Fiscal Year 2007.