Above: In this Sept. 5, 2016 file photo, an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test in the early morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Contributed by Michael Peterson, USAF
Note: The Trump administration has threatened Iran with military action if they continue to launch non-nuclear medium range missiles. At the same time the United States is testing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could be used to attack nations all over the world with nuclear missiles. The US also routinely threatens North Korea if they test missiles after the US conducts war games practicing a nuclear attack on their nation, which the US does twice each year. KZ
Vandenberg Air Force Base to launch unarmed Minuteman III
An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III missile is scheduled to take place from Vandenberg Air Force Base between 11:03 p.m. Tuesday and 5:03 a.m. Wednesday.
The purpose of launching the intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
Col. Chris Moss, the 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.
“Team Vandenberg is poised to provide safe launch operations in support of Air Force Global Strike Command’s important demonstration of our nation’s secure and effective combat-ready ICBM force,” he said. “The tremendous teamwork between the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command is apparent each time we launch a Minuteman III missile.”
The 576th Flight Test Squadron is responsible for installed tracking, telemetry and command destruct systems on the missile, which collect data and ensure safety requirements are met, according to 30th Space Wing public affairs.
The last test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III from VAFB occurred on Sept. 5, 2016.
This report was prepared by Willis Jacobson. He can be reached at wjacobson@leecentralcoastnews.com.