Photo By Ronald Bradshaw | Members of the Missile Mishap Recovery Team lift a Minuteman III motor during a...... read more read more
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OGDEN, Utah — The U.S. Air Force's Missile Mishap Recovery Team conducted a weeklong training exercise at Observatory Park in Ogden May 2-7, drawing an increasing number of state and local emergency management and hazardous materials teams from across the region.
The training scenario simulated a transportation accident on a major highway in a populated area involving a Minuteman III solid propellant motor. For the exercise, a trailer with a cement-filled motor was overturned on top of a vehicle at the park.
More than 300 personnel from 16 agencies supported the MMRT during the training event by cordoning off the site, evacuating the area and providing drone surveillance.
“This kind of training is critical,” said Kyle Marigoni, 582nd Missile Maintenance Squadron supervisor, “It gives us the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our state and local counterparts, building the trust and technical understanding needed if a real-world incident occurs.”
The growing turnout of agencies at each training event underscores the importance of collaboration and shared expertise. Participants used the exercise to improve interagency coordination, familiarize themselves with each other’s capabilities, and refine response tactics in realistic, high-stakes scenarios.
“The exercises give us good face time so we know who these people are, and we know what skills and equipment they have so we can work together in a chaotic environment,” said Capt. Jeremy Winn, Weber Fire District.
While the MMRT does not respond to incidents involving the missile's warhead, it is the only unit in the Air Force designated to handle accidents involving all other components of the Minuteman III weapon system. Its highly specialized equipment and expertise are deployed in situations that fall outside the scope of established technical data and standard procedures or that pose significant hazards.
The MMRT is a unique and vital asset, ready to deploy in the unlikely event of an incident involving a Minuteman III weapons system. With each exercise, its network of trained and prepared partners grows stronger and more capable.
Components of the Minuteman III weapon system are routinely transported to Hill Air Force Base for programmed depot maintenance. The Air Force fields the Minuteman III across three installations: F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2025 17:38 |
| Story ID: | 497945 |
| Location: | UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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