01. GBSD
The United States Air Force is in the process of replacing their current weapon system called the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon system. This is a land-based missile system with silo launching capabilities. Its role is to provide a high level of readiness for quick and accurate action against adversaries. This system was installed in the 1950's.
Congress has now invested $90 billion into the modernization of this missile system, which is the backbone of the deterrence triad. The new replacement will be called the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) weapon system.
02. Timeline
2010
Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce commenced advocacy efforts to secure congressional funding for GBSD
2017
Two vendors were selected to compete in designing the new system; Boeing and Northrop Grumman.
2075
The final system being installed will be expected to remain in operation
2020
Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) is expected to begin and one vendor will be selected to champion the modernization.
2016
Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce started to work with vendors on upgrade
2015
$90 Billion was successfully budgeted by congress for GBSD & the United States Air Force began the vendor competition
1960s
The first ICBM installation was completed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base
2029
The deployment of the new system is projected
03. Location
Cheyenne, Wyoming's FE Warren Air Force Base is an ideal destination to begin the modernization because of its unequivocal infrastructure; broadband, water, railroad, interstate corridor for I25 & I80, and access to air service. The transportation alone makes for bringing materials in and out of the area more simple compared to other locations.
04. Economy
The local economy will be heavily impacted by the large investment to execute the installation of the new weapons system. Congress has appropriated $90 billion towards the modernization. This amount will be shared among the three land-based missile bases. National security is of utmost importance and our community takes this seriously. Positioning our businesses to best serve the selected vendor to execute this installation is the leading focus of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. Businesses will work to provide the materials and personnel to execute needed tasks and bring along with each project their sheer knowledge and expertise of the local landscape to assure quality work and that deadlines are met.
05. Experts
Cheyenne is GBSD-Bound and the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is navigating this critical moment in history for Wyoming. Extensive amounts of money will enter the community and economy at one time, resulting in heightened economic impact. From preparing our community's future workforce to supplying suitable housing in our community, the Chamber is currently addressing what is needed to be well equipped for what is ahead. The Chamber will continue to work with local partners, businesses and elected officials to create a sound foundation to best execute this pressing investment in national security.
