Minuteman III launch successful Published June 14, 2006 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Launch Facility-04 on North Vandenberg at 1:22 a.m. today. The primary purpose of the launch was to assess and demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the Minuteman III weapon system. The missile’s three unarmed re-entry vehicles traveled approximately 4,800 miles in about 30 minutes, hitting pre-determined targets at the Kwajelin Missile Range in the western chain of the Marshall Islands. Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing commander, was the spacelift commander. Lt. Col. S.L. Davis, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, was the mission director. “This specific test will provide key accuracy and reliability data for ongoing and future modifications to the weapon system, which are key to improving the already impressive effectiveness of the Minuteman III force,” Colonel Davis saidThe data collected from the mission will be used by the entire ICBM community, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. “Each successful launch provides information critical in maintaining and improving our superior space force,” Colonel Weinstein said. “It’s important that each Airman who sees one of these launches, knows that he or she helped make that happen, regardless of (his or her) specialty.” The reliability and accuracy data will also be used by United States Strategic Command planners to ensure effective employment of the Minuteman III, should it be required.