[Launch Alert] Minuteman III Launched

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news item from Vandenberg SFB:

UNARMED MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
By Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas, Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 1:13 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority.

"The Airmen and Guardians who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and dedicated personnel in America's Air and Space Force," said Titus. "These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent."