For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

Since August 2, a new flag has been flying over the University of Memphis, an American flag provided by U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 785 at the U of M. The flag had previously flown over the Golf-01 Missile Alert Facility, 320th Missile Squadron, 90th Operations Group, 90th Missile Wing at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

The “Mighty Ninety” is located in Cheyenne, Wyo.; the Missile Alert Facility is located about 90 miles from the base in Potter, Neb.

The flag at the U of M is part of the commemorative program “Military Flags Around the World,” launched last March. The program honors Americans, especially U of M alumni, who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. U of M President Shirley Raines dedicated a flag pole at the south end of the Student Plaza to display American flags that had been flown over various U.S. military installations and vessels. The Air Force flag replaces one provided by the Navy ROTC detachment that had been flown over the submarine USS Memphis.

“The intercontinental ballistic missile mission is unique,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Brumfield, commander of the Flying Tigers of Detachment 785. “It is one that most Americans don’t even know exists, much less understand. I wanted to take this opportunity to bring attention to this mission and to the dedicated men and women of the Air Force who perform this unique mission. It is a sign of thanks and a gesture of respect to them.”

In the rural farmlands of western Nebraska, a small number of individuals work above and below ground, 24 hours a day, controlling and protecting the world’s most powerful arsenal of weaponry – nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles. “I’m very proud of the men and women dedicated to this mission,” said Lt. Col. Eric D. Brown, commander of the 320th Missile Squadron. “They provide constant nuclear deterrence for our nation and her allies, keeping at bay those who might wish to harm us.”

Currently 90 “missileers” are on nuclear alert duty in launch control centers beneath Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and Montana. They are supported by topside facility managers, chefs, and security forces personnel in addition to hundreds of other base support personnel. Three U.S. Air Force bases carry out the nuclear deterrence mission: Francis E. Warren AFB, Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Mont., and Minot AFB in Minot, N.D.

The “Military Flags Around the World” program will continually display an American flag that has previously flown above a U.S. ship, squadron, base or post somewhere in the world.