[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following are two U.S. Air Force news releases about this morning's Minuteman III launch from Vandenberg AFB. Please direct all questions or comments about a release to the originating organization.

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MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG
By 30th Space Wing, Public Affairs / Published May 03, 2017

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 12:02 a.m. PDT here Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

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

"It's always a privilege to partner with the tremendous professionals of Air Force Global Strike Command to conduct test launches like this one," said Moss. "The dedication and expertise of the combined 341st Missile Wing, 576th Flight Test Squadron and 30th Space Wing team is simply amazing. Their efforts over the past 10 months to make this mission possible shows why they are some of the most skilled operators in the Air Force."

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MALMSTROM TESTS MINUTEMAN III MISSILE WITH LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
Air Force Global Strike Command / Published May 03, 2017

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single test reentry vehicle May 3 at 12:02 a.m. Pacific Daylight 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. These 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.

“The men and women from the 341st Missile Wing Task Force, the Airmen from my squadron, and our host unit here at Vandenberg worked tirelessly to pull this launch off — it was awesome to see everyone’s hard work pay off!” said Col. Craig Ramsey, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. “It’s efforts like these that make nuclear deterrence effective.”

Malmstrom 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.

“I am exceedingly proud of the maintainers and operators from the 341st Missile Wing, including those that supported this mission from the onset. This Task Force worked flawlessly alongside the absolute professionals from the 576 FLTS to make this mission a success,” Lt. Col. Tony Rhoades, GT222 Task Force commander, said. “Promoting the deterrence, assurance and strike capability of the Minuteman III, along with the insight it provides to force readiness, could not be done without the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women throughout the 341st Missile Wing."

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 capability 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.