Vietnam-Era Aircraft Still Deployed At Minot, Malmstrom And Warren AF Bases

The House version of the fiscal year 2017 defense appropriations bill contains $80 million for the replacement of Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey helicopters still on active duty at three nuclear bases in the U.S.

Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) authored the amendment adding funding for new aircraft. The Hueys are still flying at Minot AFB in North Dakota, Warren AFB in Wyoming, and Malmstrom AFB in Montana.

The Air Force Times reports that Zinke said recent exercises have demonstrated "that the Hueys do not have the range, speed, payload or defensive systems to adequately meet the alert requirements set by the Air Force. Operation Mighty Guardian was a demonstration conducted at Minot AFB. In every instance that the Hueys were used, they failed the mission. However, every other modern helicopter successfully protected the nuclear missile sites."

The Senate version of the bill includes a provision requiring the DoD to certify any security shortfalls of the Hueys at missile bases. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) asked the Air Force to consider using Black Hawk helicopters to support the Hueys at Malmstrom, but the Air Force said it would go through the normal acquisition process to replace the aircraft.

The Air Force had initially considered an immediate replacement strategy based on a request from the U.S. SAC commander. While it has since reversed course, and Air Force spokesman said in May the Air Force "remains committed to a competitive acquisition approach. The Air Force has taken multiple steps to mitigate shortfalls in mission requirements to enhance readiness and security of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”

(Image from file)

FMI: www.af.mil