Senior AFGSC leaders see Sentinel program advancements

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah - The Air Force's senior leaders charged with overseeing the service's nuclear enterprise took part in a two-day immersion here August 3-4, gaining insight into how Air Force Global Strike Command and its partners are fielding the Sentinel LGM-35A intercontinental ballistic missile.

U.S. Air Force Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC, and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn M. Aiello, command chief of AFGSC, had a direct look at the ongoing efforts to modernize the land-based leg of the nuclear triad.

Day one included a review of the Minuteman missile transporter erector development and a discussion on how the Air Force Repair and Enhancement Program could be leveraged to better benefit the Minuteman III ICBM fleet. Davis and Aiello also met with members of AFGSC's Detachment 13, a cadre of missileers and missile maintainers providing operational insights for the future of Sentinel.

Reflecting on Sentinel's progress, Davis said the new ICBM will "significantly improve the effectiveness of America's ICBM force," allowing the nation to deter any aggressors.

"It was good to see the progress on Sentinel firsthand," Davis said. "Sentinel is not simply an upgrade to our ICBM mission; it's a necessary leap forward that improves our capabilities while also improving safety and security. The dedication of our Airmen and industry partners is what will make this critical modernization effort possible."

While visiting Northrop Grumman's Roy Innovation Center on day two, the leaders experienced the advanced digital engineering processes driving the program's development. There, Northrop demonstrated how computerized digital environments have increased the speed and efficiency of developing new ICBM capabilities.

The team then traveled to Northrop's test and development facilities in nearby Promontory. The visit provided a look at Sentinel's launch silo prototype, allowing Davis and Aiello to view the new, standardized silo design's evolution. Contractors also provided an overview of Sentinel's case manufacturing and booster integration facilities.

Aiello pointed out how Sentinel will allow Airmen to apply their skillsets seamlessly.

"Sentinel is an evolutionary step in our ICBM capabilities," Aiello said. "Our maintainers, defenders, command post controllers, our weather Airmen, airfield operations ... our Airmen are going to see a newer version of our ground based strategic capability in Sentinel. It's great to see the progress made in the last two years with our partnerships. In the coming years, Airmen will start seeing pieces and parts of this that will make it very real."

Davis echoed the chief's sentiments, emphasizing that Sentinel is a national imperative.

"What we're building here is more than just a new missile; we are building the future of national defense. The work being done here in Utah is at the very heart of that effort."

The Sentinel system will provide a more effective, safe and secure force well into the 2070s, supporting the Department of War's effort to deliver peace through strength.