DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE, WASHINGTON DC. SAR/FMB JAN 29° 2615 1130 Air Force Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20330 The Honorable Jon Tester United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Tester: Thank you for your January 15, 2015 letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James regarding replacement and modemization of armored vehicles and the UH-IN helicopter fleet. ‘The Air Force values your advocacy and is fully committed to supporting the nuclear mission. DoD policy requires that vehicles used for nuclear weapons security be armored to ensure the safety and effectiveness of security personnel. The Air Force has begun examining options to replace approximately 400 armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles currently performing this mission at Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) installations. Many of the concems you expressed, including those regarding vehicle safety at increased speeds, are being considered as part of the evaluation process. ‘The pick-up trucks recently procured through the ICBM Force Improvement Program satisfy current requirements for operations and maintenance crews. Any future replacements will be purchased through the normal acquisition process. In addition, the Vehicle Management Flight at Malmstrom AFB will be fully manned through at least 2019. ‘The Air Force is committed to replacing the UH-IN fleet, and has assigned a program executive officer to oversee the replacement program and stand-up a program office in 2016. We are evaluating requirements and revalidating the analysis of alternatives to ensure the most cost effective, expedient and technically acceptable solution is identified. Depending on the acquisition strategy, we hope to begin initial deliveries to AFGSC starting in 2019. On behalf of Secretary James, thank you for your continued leadership in defending our nation and your support of the United States Air Force. Sincerely, Sa F. MARUIN, JR., Maj Gen, USAF Deputf Assistant Secretary (Budget)JON TESTER see an an el Wnited States Senate January 15, 2015 ‘The Honorable Deborah Lee James Secretary Department of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 Dear Secretary James: Icommend your ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the Air Force nuclear mission. Under your leadership, the Air Force has taken dramatic steps to more properly recognize and invest in the men and women who carry out this mission. Since the last World War, our nuclear triad has helped keep our nation safe, ensuring global stability and deterring the threat of nuclear war. AS our nation continues to confront a number of strategic threats, I agree wholeheartedly with your recent comments about the nuclear mission being the Air Force’s number one priority. Moving forward, I bring to your attention two critically important elements of the nuclear mission: the replacement and modernization of the armored vehicles and the UH-IN helicopter fleet used on a daily basis by our missileers and security forces personnel. As you know from your visits to Malmstrom Air Force Base, one of its unique attributes 4s the broad distribution of Launch Facilities across north-central Montana. This distribution is Just one of the factors that make ICBMs such an important part of the nuclear triad, as this attribute provides an incredible deterrent against a potential first strike from an adversary. However, the dispersion of ICBMs comes with significant ground transportation requirements, Most concerning is the use of heavy, tactical, armored vehicles such as HMMWVs that were never designed for highway use, have top speed restrictions and lack modern safety features such as Anti-Lock Brakes. The miles driven and the incompatibility with highway use leads to higher than normal maintenance rates and ultimately requires a much faster replacement rate than normal vehicles due to severe wear and tear, Additionally, with personnel cuts across the Air Force, it will be difficult for Malmstrom’s vehicle maintenance section to keep up with maintenance demands. In short, the type and condition of the current vehicle fleet leads to a number of traffic and safety concerns for Airmen and Montanans alike. These safety concems are exacerbated during winter driving conditions. Furthermore, the Montana’s state legislature is considering introducing a bill that could increase the speed limits on some roads in the state to 85 mph, This would increase the safety concems for the Air Force's slower moving vehicles and make them a greater hindrance to traffic, thus increasing the risk of major vehicle accidents. As you review the Global Strike Command’s vehicle requirements in general and the armored vehicle requirement specifically, I hope you will keep these concerns in mind. aurte Gienone Great Fas Heuena casens (406) 586-450 (aoe 723-2277 406) 365-229 1406) 252.9885 (406) 449-5401 {40} 267-2360 Buu a 406) 252-0560 (408) 728-200Lappreciate your efforts to deliver 43 new 4-wheel drive pick-up trucks to transport Malmstrom’s missile, support and maintenance crews. I believe this is a much needed step in the right direction. While 43 new vehicles will help Malmstrom accomplish its mission, how many general purpose and special mission vehicles still need to be replaced? ‘There are still many vehicles being used by security forces and mission support personnel that will need to be replaced to meet the demands of Malmstrom’s missile complex. encourage you to prioritize the procurement of new security forces vehicles in next year’s budget request. And I respectfully request to be updated as the Air Force completes its review of the Security Forces vehicle requirements and identifies potential upgrades capable of providing both security and the modem safety featured required to operate safely on Montana public roads. As you know, all of the vehicles at Malmstrom are critical in ensuring America’s nuclear deterrence and ensuring the safety and security of our nuclear arsenal In addition to vehicular travel, Malmstrom’s airmen often rely upon outdated UH-1Ns to get to the base’s missile silos and alert facilities. It is my understanding that the Air Force recently approved a strategy to replace the UH-IN with the UH-60A2L, a helicopter that, according to an Air Force report recently submitted to Congress, is significantly less expensive than a new helicopter with similar capabilities. But while this report provides information on aircraft capabilities and a potential replacement strategy, it does not contain a procurement and fielding timeline. Does the Air Force have an estimated timeline for fielding the UH-60A2L to each of the missile wings? Also, is there a recapitalization plan for aircraft dedicated to the nuclear mission? Again, I greatly appreciate your leadership of the Air Force, and particularly your focus on the nuclear mission. Moving forward, I am hopeful the Air Force and State of Montana can continue identifying new ways to build upon the constructive and successful partnership we've enjoyed since 1947, Sincerely, 47h Jon Tester