Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and a Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM equipped with multiple targetable vehicles aboard the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) on November 5, 2024, at 11:01 p.m. . Pacific time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, were aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury to demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of the ALCS. Pilots and Guardians of Vandenberg
“This Minuteman III test launch exemplifies the mission readiness, agility and professionalism of the people at Vandenberg, Global Strike Command and the U.S. Navy,” said Col. Dorian Hatcher, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander. “Every test of this deterrent system at Vandenberg underscores the nation’s strong capabilities and highlights the indispensable support our Airmen and Rangers provide to ensure national security.”
This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities aimed at demonstrating that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies.
“Ensuring the reliability of the American nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of our mission here at Vandenberg,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. “Today’s test launch exemplifies the steadfast readiness of our nation’s ICBMs, as well as the dedication of the professional pilots who maintain and operate them. This event underscores our steadfast commitment to deterrence, as we remain vigilant and ready around the clock, every day of the week. Year.”
Such tests have occurred more than 300 times before, and this test is not a result of current world events.
General Thomas A. said: “These tests demonstrate what strike pilots bring to the fight if called upon by the president,” said Bossier, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “The airborne launch underscores the survivability of our ICBMs, which serve as a strategic backstop to our nation’s defense and the defense of our allies and partners.”
The ICBM reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the US Army Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Defense Test Site located within the Republic of the Marshall Islands on Kwajalein Atoll. Reagan Test Site sensors, including high-resolution metric and signature radars, as well as optical and telemetry sensors, support research, development, test and evaluation of America’s defense and space programs. To conduct these tests, RTS team members collect radar data, optical data and telemetry data in the final phase of flight to evaluate the system’s performance.
“RTS is honored to be the nation’s only long-range ground effect site that provides our strategic partners with a safe, true-to-test environment for the continued development of ICBM modernization efforts,” said Lt. Col. Castle Rumfelt, RTS Range Director. “This scale and testing facilitates America’s technical advantage on the world stage. Our team has decades of experience and a level of professionalism that makes the impossible look easy in a failure-free environment. I could not be prouder of this amazing team.”
The soft launch is the culmination of months of preparation involving multiple government partners.
The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM in an initial capacity by 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring the Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.
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For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg SFB range operations, contact Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or sld30.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.
For questions related to the missile and ICBM test launch mission, contact AFGSC Public Affairs at 318-456-1305 or afgsc.paworkflow@us.af.mil.
Pictures and video can be found here:
DVIDS – PHOTOS – Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe and effective deterrent readiness of US nuclear power [Image 2 of 2]
DVIDS – PHOTOS – Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe and effective deterrent readiness of US nuclear power [Image 1 of 2]
DVIDS – Video – Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe and effective deterrence readiness of US nuclear power (Unnarrated)
DVIDS – Video – Minuteman III test launch demonstrates safe and effective deterrence readiness of US nuclear power (Marawi)
