MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF., CA, UNITED STATES

04.26.2017

Story by Michael Peterson 

Space Launch Delta 30   

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test
at 12:03 a.m., PDT, here April 26.

Col. John Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision
authority.

"Tonight's launch was an important demonstration of our nation's nuclear
deterrent capability," said Moss. "Test launches like this one are vital to
validating the effectiveness and readiness of our operational nuclear
systems, so it is critical that they are successful. The men and women of
the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron did a fantastic job working together to make tonight's launch possible and successful."

The Minuteman system has been in service for 60 years. Through continuous upgrades, including new production versions, improved targeting systems, and enhanced accuracy, today's Minuteman system remains state-of-the art and is capable of meeting all modern challenges.

For information about the results of the flight test, please call Air Force
Global Strike Command Public Affairs at [phone] or after hours at
[phone].

• Date Taken: 04.26.2017
• Date Posted: 05.02.2017 12:48
• Story ID: 231571
• Location: VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF., CA, US