[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Air Force Global Strike Command:

MINOT TESTS MINUTEMAN III MISSILE WITH LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
 
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle Feb. 25 at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Standard Time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
 
The ICBM's reentry vehicle, which contained a telemetry package used for operational testing, traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.
 
“These ICBM professionals always make this look so simple, when it's anything but easy! This culminates months of effort that began in the missile fields of North Dakota where they removed this hardware from its alert mission, cataloged every piece and part, and shipped it to California for this event,” Col. Craig Ramsey, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, said. “This never happens without the tireless efforts of personnel from the 91st Missile Wing and the 576th Flight Test Squadron.”
 
Minot AFB is one of three missile bases with crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces.
 
“The opportunity for a Task Force to execute multiple launches in a week doesn’t happen very often, and this has provided a tremendous amount of experience for our team,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Schraeder, 91 MW Task Force Commander. “ Ultimately, these launches are the nation’s most visible demonstration of the ICBM capability.”
 
The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

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The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

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

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test
at 11:01 p.m. PST here Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.

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

"This is the second ICBM launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the past 5
days and while it may seem routine, a tremendous amount of effort is
required to safely assess the current performance and validate the security
of the Nation's fielded ICBM force," said Moss. "Our teams are made of
dedicated Airmen who make a difference for the Air Force and the nation and
I am proud to be a part of this team."

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The following is an additional news release from Vandenberg AFB:

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

MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG - VIDEO

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test
at 11:01 p.m. PST here Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.

To view the 30th Space Wing Public Affairs media video launch highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHp-BiO19Us