Montana Air Force Commander Relieved After Investigation at Nuclear Base

On November 7, Col. Jeremy Russell, the commander of the 341st Maintenance Group at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, was relieved of his duties following a command-directed investigation that prompted concerns regarding his leadership. The dismissal was attributed to a "loss of trust and confidence" by the 341st Missile Wing, which manages the base. However, no additional information was provided.

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Russell was instrumental in the maintenance and accountability of the missile wing's $3.8 billion nuclear weapon stockpiles by supervising four squadrons, including the 341st Munitions Squadron, and maintaining the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Air Force's Personal Reliability Program (PRP) necessitates ongoing background and security assessments for personnel who are involved with nuclear weapons, including this mission-critical position.

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The 341st Missile Wing did not explicitly confirm whether Russell's dismissal was directly related to his supervision of the nuclear mission. A spokesperson disclosed that a Commander Directed Investigation was implemented; however, they declined to provide additional information.

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Russell, who hails from Whittier, California, initiated his Air Force career as an enlisted airman before advancing to officer rank in 2001. Before assuming command of the 341st Maintenance Group in July 2023, he had a distinguished career in the Air Force's nuclear sector.

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