Remarks of E. W. Littlefield June 16, 1961 Page 4 This is in sharp contrast to the bleak situation pictured by public criticism only a few months ago. What has been accomplished at Schilling and other bases ought to dispel unwarranted public anxiety and promote confidence in our growing ability to discourage attack by the threat of overwhelming retaliation. In our turn, General WELLING, we extend to you and to your staff at CEBMCO our heartiest congratulations upon the superb results of your direction of this program. To General GERRITY, Colonel CRUIKSHANK and their commands, to whom the results of our labors have now been delivered, we extend our congratulations upon the conception and development of a launcher design which has proved feasible to construct, and a missile design which is operationally effective beyond all expectations. The facilities we have just completed may become obsolete because of the development of new generations of improved missiles. This likelihood reassures, rather than disturbs us, It evidences the unceasing vigilance of our Air Force in the fields of research and development, and is our best guarantee that in the world competition for military power our weaponry will be second to none. The accomplishment at Schilling is the handiwork of the men --men of imagination, of great technical proficiency, and men who were willing to work the clock around to do what had to be done.