Vandenberg Airmen conduct Minuteman III flight test

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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --  Technicians here test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile Sept. 17 from Launch Facility-09 .

The missile's single reentry test vehicle traveled approximately 5,300 miles to a pre-determined target about 200 miles southwest of Guam. ICBM analysts, including officials from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, plan to use the data collected to ensure the readiness and capability of the ICBM fleet.

"The launch process requires tremendous teamwork and involves months of preparation," said Col. David Bliesner, the 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. "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 was a combined effort of Airmen from the 576th FLTS here; the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, N.D.; the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb.; and the 30th Space Wing here.

(Courtesy of 30th Space Wing Public Affairs)