In October 1962, the United States and Soviet Union confronted each other over Soviet missiles in Cuba, as President John F. Kennedy demanded their removal while Premier Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro insisted they would remain. For thirteen days the world stood on the brink of war between the two superpowers. During that crisis, a new element of American strength stood ready in Montana: Minuteman I missiles in underground launch facilities, part of the recently activated 341st Strategic Missile Wing headquartered at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The first missile, at the Alpha-06 launch facility, went online during the crisis and served as a significant deterrent to Khrushchev’s plans. The Alpha-06 launch facility, and many others like it, remains operational and continues to protect the United States under the watch of the men and women of the 341st Space Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base.