[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2011

TEAM VANDENBERG CONDUCTS MINUTEMAN III FLIGHT TEST

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  - A scheduled unarmed operational test
Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launch occurred at 6:35
a.m. June 22 from Launch Facility-10 here. 

Inclement downrange weather and an interruption in communication with the
Airborne Launch Control System led to unprogrammed holds in the countdown.
Furthermore, boats detected at different times in the hazard area resulted
in additional unprogrammed holds. Still, those issues were overcome allowing
for a safe launch within the established window.

"We train constantly working through scenarios such as those we faced
real-time this morning," said Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing vice
commander and launch decision authority. "Without a doubt, Team Vandenberg
performed brilliantly in ensuring safe range operations and a successful
launch."

The missile's single reentry test vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles
to a pre-determined target near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
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.