[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched

[Brian Webb]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2010 
Release No. 04-0910

VANDENBERG CONDUCTS MINUTEMAN III FLIGHT TEST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - A scheduled unarmed operational test
Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launch occurred here at
3:03 a.m., Sept. 17 from Launch Facility-09. 

The missile's single reentry test vehicle traveled approximately 5,300 miles
to a pre-determined target about 200 miles southwest of Guam. ICBM analysts,
including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, will use
the data collected to ensure the readiness and capability of the ICBM fleet.


"The launch process requires tremendous teamwork and involves months of
preparation," said Col. David Bliesner, 576th Flight Test Squadron
Commander. "The data gained from these launches allows us to maintain a high
readiness capability and ensures operational effectiveness of the most
powerful weapons in the nation's arsenal."

The launch was a combined effort of the 576th FLTS here; 91st Missile Wing,
Minot AFB, N.D.; 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, Offutt AFB, Neb.; and
the 30th Space Wing here.

 

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