Operational Test A Big Success
Vandenberg Air Force Base officials launched a Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National
Nuclear Security Administration test assembly at 1 AM PST November
5. The launch was an operational test to determine the weapon
system's reliability and accuracy.
The missile's single unarmed re-entry vehicle traveled
approximately 4,190 miles to the predetermined target near
Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
The missile was launched under the direction of officials from
the 576th Flight Test Squadron. Operational tasks were conducted by
maintenance and operations task force personnel from the 90th
Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, WY. Members of the 576th FLTS
installed tracking, telemetry and command destruct systems on the
missile to collect data and meet safety requirements.
"Tests like these are the cornerstone of nuclear deterrence,"
said Capt. Chris Terry, the 576th FLTS test launch director. "We
gather data on new modifications and aging components of the
Minuteman weapon system to aide US Strategic Command in operational
planning."
Unique to this launch was the incorporation of airborne launch
control system crews from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron
at Offutt AFB, NE, who entered the preparatory commands and
executed launch command and keyturn during the countdown.
"Every launch we perform introduces some unique test element. It
never gets old," Captain Terry said. "For this launch, we will use
a contingency airborne system that will tell the missile to
fire."
This airborne system is considered a fail-safe method of
ensuring a Minuteman III can fire even in the event of the missile
losing contact with its launch control center. The 576th FLTS staff
periodically tests this method of launch in order to gauge the
system's effectiveness and reliability.
Col. Steven Winters, the 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the
spacelift commander. Lt. Col. Lesa K. Toler, the 576th FLTS
commander, was the mission director for this test launch.
"The fact that we can randomly select an on-alert operational
ICBM from any missile wing and launch it without making any
modifications to the components to hit a bulls-eye target is a
testament of the systems reliability," Colonel Toler said. "I have
complete confidence in our ICBM weapon system to perform as
advertised."
The data collected will be used by the entire ICBM community,
including STRATCOM planners and the NNSA/Department of Energy
laboratories.
"Tests like this make Vandenberg the first line of defense in
terms of strategic deterrence," Colonel Winters said. "Thanks to
the hard work of the 30th Space Wing and the 576th Flight Test
Squadron, we continue a proud legacy of ensuring global stability
through assuring the readiness and reliability of our ICBM
fleet."