Air Force launches unarmed Minuteman 3 missile from Vandenberg AFB

The Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile and a test re-entry vehicle late Tuesday evening from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The Air Force said the test, whose re-entry vehicle traveled roughly 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, exhibits the United States’ nuclear deterrent is equipped to handle threats, as well as reassure allies.

“Our nation’s ICBM fleet stands ready 24/7,” Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, deputy commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said in an Air Force news release. “Operational tests validate our Minuteman III readiness and reliability. It further demonstrates to our citizens, our allies and our partners that men and women across three missile wings provide credible overwatch with a strategic deterrent that is safe, secure and effective.”

RELATED

Unarmed Minuteman 3 missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base for system test

An unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched early Wednesday from California to a target in the Pacific Ocean in a test of the defense system, the Air Force said.

Those involved with the launch include the 90th Missile Wing based out of F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, the 91st Missile Wing based out of Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and the 341st Missile Wing based out of Malstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Additionally, airmen from the 576th Flight Test Squadron supported the launch.

Preparation and planning for these launches occurs six to twelve months ahead of time, and the launch calendars are scheduled up to five years prior. As a result, the Air Force said these launches do not correspond to world events or regional tensions.

In Other News

Allowance for the most at-risk military families begins to take shape

Fewer military families may qualify for the stipend because their housing allowances will count as income,

Outage affects 988 suicide prevention hotline, VA offers alternatives

Veterans who are looking to reach the helpline can call the Veterans Crisis Line directly at 877-267-6030.

Marine vet gets Lakers crowd hopped up by chugging from prosthetic

"I’m glad that everybody was having a good time and realized that I was there having a good time.”

Can the Air Force train nearly 1,500 pilots this year?

The Air Force's annual pilot production goals often prove elusive.

Army halts flag football Turkey Bowl after massive brawl

A flag football game went awry as paratroopers launched an all-out brawl.

Load More