[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launch Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

The following is a Vandenberg AFB news release:

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 Thursday, Feb. 25 and 5:00 a.m.
PST Friday, Feb. 26, 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.

"The launch process requires tremendous teamwork and involves months of
preparation," said Moss. "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 team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron,
includes 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.