390th Strategic Missile Wing

• Activation and Location: The 390th Strategic Missile Wing (SMW) was activated on January 1, 1962, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). • Titan II ICBM Mission: The 390th SMW was the first unit to deploy the LGM-25C Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile, the most powerful ICBM ever fielded by the United States. • Underground Launch Complexes: The wing operated 18 underground Titan II missile silos, each with its own launch control center, spread throughout the Tucson, Arizona, area. • Cuban Missile Crisis Alert: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the 390th SMW was still constructing its silos, but the crisis highlighted the urgency and importance of the Titan II program. • Nuclear Deterrence Role: The wing played a critical part in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy throughout the Cold War, maintaining a constant state of readiness. • Accidents and Safety: The Titan II system, while advanced, was also known for several accidents due to its use of volatile propellants. The 390th SMW maintained rigorous safety standards to prevent mishaps. • Deactivation: The 390th Strategic Missile Wing was inactivated on July 31, 1984, as part of the decommissioning of all Titan II missile systems. • Preserved Missile Site: One of the former 390th SMW silos, Launch Complex 571-7, has been preserved as the Titan Missile Museum, the only publicly accessible Titan II site in the world. • Awards and Honors: The wing received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its exemplary performance and contributions to national security. • Legacy: The 390th SMW's history is commemorated by the 390th Strategic Missile Wing Memorial at the Titan Missile Museum, honoring the service of its personnel and the legacy of the Titan II program.