[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launch Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH SCHEDULED

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An operational test launch of an Air
Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic
missile is scheduled for Tuesday Sept. 23, between 3:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
from north Vandenberg.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the
effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air
Force Global Strike Command.
Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the Launch Decision
Authority.
"While ICBM launches from Vandenberg almost seem routine, each one requires
a tremendous amount of effort and absolute attention to detail in order to
accurately assess the current performance and capability of the Nation's
fielded ICBM force and ensure public safety during the launch," Col. Balts
said. 

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