The Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Ground-based Midcourse Defense Program team and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency emplaced the first GMD interceptor in its underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska, on July 22. The historic milestone reflects important progress toward a fully deployed missile defense system for the United States.

The operation involved the use of a special crane to lower the interceptor into the silo. Once the interceptor is vertical, it takes only minutes to load it. However, transportation and preparation for the actual lift of the massive, three-stage interceptor is a painstaking process that requires unflagging attention to safety and security. Part of that process is shown here.

The interceptor is the first of up to 16 planned for emplacement at the Fort Greely GMD site by the end of 2005. Four more interceptors are scheduled to be emplaced through December. Boeing is on track to provide the country with an initial defense capability this year.

linda.s.james@boeing.com