[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launch Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

The following is a media advisory 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 between 11:00 p.m. PST Saturday, Feb. 20 and 5:00 a.m.
PST Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, from north Vandenberg Air Force Base.

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. J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision
authority.

"This mission continues a long string of vital ICBM flight tests from
Vandenberg Air Force Base," said Moss. "The launch not only demonstrates the
capability of the Minuteman III weapon system, but also the tremendous
capabilities of Airmen who maintain and operate it. The men and women of the
30th Space Wing are proud to partner with the Air Force Global Strike
Command team to conduct this important launch." 

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron,
includes aircrew members from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron,
Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and crew members and maintainers from the 91st Missile
Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota.

The 576th FLTS is responsible for installed tracking, telemetry and command
destruct systems on the missile, which collect data and ensure safety
requirements, are met.