START team visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brandon Pollachek
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess was recently the host to a 10-person Russian-led team of inspectors visiting the base for a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty inspection.

The team arrived Feb. 7 for two days of updating data relating to the 7th Bomb Wing’s compliance with terms of the START treaty.

The purpose of the team’s trip to Dyess was to inspect the 7th BW’s bombers and weapons storage to ensure Dyess has no Air Launched Control Missiles and to ensure the base is compliant with the treaty.

“Dyess was found to be in compliance with the START treaty,” said Mr. Lou Martucci, Dyess’ treaty compliance officer. “Everything went smoothly, and we were able to complete the inspections in four hours.”

Mr. Martucci credits the preparation of all the agencies that were inspected for the START team to be able to conduct their inspections quickly.

Under the terms of the treaty, officials from the republics of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine are allowed to inspect any military facility to take a look at its strategic capabilities. The START treaty was signed Dec. 5, 1994.

Dyess’ last visit by a START inspection team was May 2005.

“The treaty allows them to come and inspect us twice a year,” said Mr. Martucci.

The dedication and professionalism of Team Dyess was recognized by the START team inspectors prior to their departure.

“The chief inspector said ‘The warm Texas air was surpassed by the warm friendship of the base personnel,’” said Mr. Martucci.

As part of the process, American teams are also inspecting military installations in the former Soviet Union.