State Representative Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield) has led a group of Michigan lawmakers in an initiative to bring a missile defense mission to Battle Creek. The effort centers on a letter addressed to U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, inviting officials to visit Fort Custer and outlining the reasons why Battle Creek is suitable for this national security mission.
A total of 45 members from both the Michigan Congressional Delegation and the state Legislature joined Frisbie in signing the letter.
The letter states:
“As Representatives of the people of Michigan, we support President Trump’s vision and mission to build a stronger and safer America. That is why we urge the Department of War (DOW) to designate Fort Custer Training Center (FCTC) in Battle Creek as America’s next Golden Dome site, consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order 14186, The Iron Dome for America.
“FCTC is the right choice for several reasons. First, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has identified FCTC as the least expensive option for a Golden Dome installation. President Trump is well-known for his commitment to improving operational efficiencies and reining in government waste. Building at FCTC reinforces that mission. There would be no need for new, large-scale range construction at the site. Additionally, minimal environmental impact at FCTC allows the DOW to save as much as $25B-$50B in taxpayer funds by leveraging existing infrastructure.
“Second, past DOW assessments confirm that FCTC can rapidly achieve Initial Operational Capability, given its integrated Command and Control infrastructure, secure facilities, training areas, and skilled workforce already in place to carry out the mission. Additionally, FCTC is located near the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, which currently supports combat operations in numerous theaters through its extensive MQ-9 remote split operations. Furthermore, the surrounding regional STEM research ecosystem and industry partnerships further strengthen its capacity to support the Golden Dome’s ambitious requirements. FCTC is uniquely positioned to meet the technology needs of America’s modern military.
“Third, FCTC has a proven track record of operational readiness, demonstrated through joint and interagency exercises such as Northern Strike and Task Force 46 Cyber Impact 2022. These demanding tests confirm the site’s ability to support layered detection, sensing, and security missions with minimal additional investment. Golden Dome testing could begin as early as Summer 2026 and proceed in recurring iterations aligned with the current 2028 DOW milestones.
“The State of Michigan has made countless contributions over the years to the national defense arsenal and we look forward to fully realizing the potential of the newly secured fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Bringing a Golden Dome mission to Battle Creek will help complement those efforts in making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous for years to come.
“We respectfully invite you and General Michael Guetlein to visit and observe firsthand the infrastructure and capabilities that position FCTC as the ideal location for America’s new Golden Dome site. We are confident in FCTC’s readiness and the strategic advantages it offers in support of this critical mission, and we stand ready to demonstrate the site’s value.
“Thank you for your consideration of the FCTC and for your leadership in making our nation safer and stronger with bold visions like the Golden Dome.”
