487th Tactical Missle Wing

• Inception and Purpose: The 487th Tactical Missile Wing (TMW) was activated by the United States Air Force in 1982 in response to NATO’s decision to deploy Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCMs) in Europe during the Cold War. • Strategic Location: The unit was stationed at Comiso Air Station in Sicily, Italy, making it the southernmost GLCM wing in Europe. • Missile Arsenal: The 487th TMW operated BGM-109G Gryphon cruise missiles, each armed with a nuclear warhead, designed for rapid deployment and mobility. • Role in Cold War Tensions: Its activation was a direct response to the Soviet Union’s deployment of SS-20 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, aiming to strengthen NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture. • International Personnel: The Wing included both American and Italian personnel, fostering close US-Italian military cooperation on the base. • INF Treaty Impact: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987, led to the deactivation of the 487th TMW and the destruction of its missiles by 1991. • Rapid Construction: Comiso Air Station was built in record time, transforming a former World War II airfield into a modern missile base in just a few years. • Community Relations: The Wing played a significant role in the local Sicilian community, providing economic support and organizing joint cultural events. • Security Challenges: Protecting nuclear-armed missiles presented unique security challenges, requiring around-the-clock vigilance and specialized training for base personnel. • Legacy: After deactivation, Comiso Air Station was eventually repurposed as a civilian airport, but the legacy of the 487th TMW remains a notable chapter in Cold War military history.