Humvee accident near Malmstrom leaves one dead and five injured

The soldier killed in a car crash June 29 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, was Staff Sgt. Jorge Delgado, a 38-year-old soldier with the 341st Security Forces Squadron at Malmstrom, according to a July 1 statement from the base.

Three other soldiers who were traveling from the base to their deployment location in an armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) were injured in the accident.

Two other first responders were injured during their deployment. All five soldiers were taken to nearby medical facilities, two of them are now in stable condition, while three have been discharged, the press release added.

“Team Malmstrom and our surrounding community are mourning the loss of not only an outstanding Airman, but also a family member and friend,” said Col. Dan Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander, in the release. “As we assist our affected Airmen and families, I urge all of us to spend a little extra time checking in on one another, giving hugs to those in need, and providing love and support so we can continue to persevere. Wing One is committed to the safety and protection of our members and we will continue to stand strong during this time.”

The spokesman said the accident was under investigation and no further details were available at this time.

“The safety and well-being of all our soldiers is our top priority and we offer support and assistance to those affected by this tragic event,” said the base’s first press release after the accident on June 29.

Malmstrom Air Force Base, FE Warren, Wyoming, and Minot Air Force Base, ND, are the hubs for the Air Force’s Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The three bases, with their hundreds of nuclear silos, are spread over vast areas, requiring long distances to travel and often using specialized military vehicles such as Humvees and the new JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) to maintain readiness and security. While it is currently unclear which vehicle was involved in the June 29 accident, there were two separate accidents involving Humvees last year that killed two soldiers at the nuclear missile fields.

On September 16, a pilot from FE Warren’s 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron was killed and another pilot suffered minor injuries in a Humvee crash near a nuclear missile field near Grover, Colorado.

About a month later, another Humvee crash in Malmstrom killed a pilot from the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron. The pilot was initially hospitalized and died of his injuries six days after the crash. Another person involved in the crash sustained injuries but was subsequently in stable condition. According to a Montana Highway Patrol report provided to local media, the Humvee driver attempted to make a right turn downhill “at speeds that exceeded the vehicle’s capabilities,” crossed into oncoming traffic and left the road.

Unlike the aging Humvee, the JLTVs are considered more reliable, more mobile in rough terrain and better protected, making them better suited for snowy or mud-covered conditions in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. While the JLTV requires extensive training due to its complexity, the vehicle is also smarter, equipped with computers in the dashboard that help soldiers keep an eye on their comrades and build situational awareness.