Boeing Competes For $80 Billion Air Force Contract ‘Project expected to bring jobs & economic development benefits to Cheyenne and the surrounding region’

Boeing’s Cheyenne road show continues as they are one of two defense companies still vying for the US Air Force’s contract for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) upgrades.

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce hosted Boeing professionals Tuesday, April 17th to discuss the upcoming missile modernization at FE Warren Air Force Base. Boeing has supported Minuteman ICBM operations at nearby F.E. Warren Air Force Base for nearly 60 years. Boeing representatives discussed their current efforts to sustain ICBM weapon systems and the work underway to develop the next ICBM, known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent while in Cheyenne. In attendance were elected officials, community business professionals and Wyoming Wrangler investors.

The primary challenge with the assessment of this large transition is modernizing the weapon system while still keeping the current system operational. This weapon system is the Minuteman III and is the first ICBM system. The Air Force will determine an approach to this when they determine how the upgrades will be issued across the three missile bases, including that of Cheyenne’s FE Warren Air Force Base.

Dr. Patti Dare, Boeing Global Sales & Marketing Expert, shared, “So, minuteman III is in the hole today. That is what is deterring and protecting us today. That system has to be operational and continue to be operational. They should be excited that they have the system here that protects the nation.”

The design of this system is critical because it will be a weapon program which will last through generations just like the Minuteman III. The technologies they are developing will have to last through 2075. This in mind another concern is making sure that deterrence can protect us from all the various adversaries.

“Senior government and senior air force officials have said the world is a lot more dangerous and a lot more complex than it ever was during the Cold War.” shared Andy Healy, Boeing Manager Business Development & Strategy.

Healy when talking about our capabilities, he further explained that the capabilities that reside in Cheyenne are pivotal to our Nation’s existence.

Boeing is one of two businesses currently competing for this contract and the other is Northrop Grumman. This phase will continue through the fall of 2019 and is declared the design phase. After this it will be assessing implementation. The contract could mean up to $80 billion to complete all three bases. The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce will continue advocate to protect these funds through their Wyoming Wrangler’s program.

“Our Wyoming Wranglers have invested and supported this effort and have been successful in positioning our community and base as a priority at the Congressional level for this modernization. We sincerely thank all of our partners who invest in this program.” Wyoming State Senator Tara Nethercott, Chairman of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more by contacting the Chamber at (307) 638-3388 or by visiting www.cheyennechamber.org.