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Malmstrom’s future and defense spending debated as candidates weigh base priorities
Summary
Both candidates said they would defend legitimate missions at Malmstrom Air Force Base; Jack Mudd said he would protect the base while opening the possibility of new missions if the current nuclear mission ended; Burns emphasized deterrence and strategic placement.
The future of Malmstrom Air Force Base and defense spending became a specific local point in the Billings debate, with both candidates stressing the base's importance while offering different emphases on mission and broader defense posture.
Jack Mudd said Malmstrom should retain its mission so long as the strategic need exists but acknowledged that if the base’s current mission were eliminated he would advocate for assigning another legitimate mission to preserve local infrastructure and jobs: "If there's no more mission in Malmstrom, then Malmstrom will go the way of other bases that whose missions are eliminated. Right now, we do have still a nuclear threat. Malmstrom is well positioned to take care of that nuclear threat. If that mission is moved, then I would be the first 1 to advocate looking at other missions..."
Sen. Conrad Burns framed the base as a continuing strategic asset and tied defense capability to deterrence, saying: "Malmstrom will always have a mission because where it is strategically ... I shall fight for Malmstrom because I still think we live in a pretty rough neighborhood and deterrents are still very important to this country and to this society." He also linked defense spending to broader national security tools that protect allies and U.S. interests.
Why it matters: Base missions affect local economies, employment and federal appropriations; changes in mission or force posture would trigger base‑realignment processes and potential local impacts.
What wasn’t decided: Neither candidate proposed specific legislation to change Malmstrom’s mission; both pledged to defend legitimate missions for the base if elected.
