BILLINGS — U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg says the nation needs to maintain its land-based nuclear missile arsenal at current levels — both as a shield against foreign adversaries and to protect local communities that could be hurt economically if the missiles were removed.
One-third of the nation’s 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles are based out of the Malmstrom Air Base near Great Falls.
Rehberg, a Republican, says he and several colleagues sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates urging him to retain the missile fleet at current levels. The United States has been negotiating with Russia over possible nuclear arms reductions.