Feb 25, 2021
VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – A team of Air Force Global Strike Command airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:49 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, according to Air Force Global Strike Command officials.
Test launches are not a response or reaction to world events or regional tensions.
The test demonstrates that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies.
“Our nation’s ICBM fleet stands ready 24/7,” said Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, deputy commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “Operational tests validate our Minuteman III readiness and reliability. It further demonstrates to our citizens, our allies and our partners that men and women across three missile wings provide credible overwatch with a strategic deterrent that is safe, secure and effective.”
Barksdale base getting $5 million federal appropriation
Barksdale Air Force Base in north Louisiana is getting a $5 million federal appropriation to support the Air Force Global Strike Command headquartered there, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said.
Air Force Global Strike Command is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings; the Air Force’s entire bomber force, including the B-52 and the Long-Range Strike Bomber Program; the Air Force Nuclear Command; Control and Communications systems; and operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise, according to Cassidy’s office.
Cassidy said he requested the money to expand Global Strike Command’s institutional capacity to develop future operational concepts and capabilities, establish operational requirements, evaluate technology opportunities, build prototype systems and conduct proof of concept demonstrations.
A U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command team played an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting the Air Force’s Glory Trip-237, Feb. 24 (Central Time).An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg Air,
Minuteman III ICBM test launch hits its target, 4,200 miles away
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An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental missile was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Feb. 23, and hit its target 4,200 miles away. Photo by Chris Okula/U.S. Space Force
Feb. 24 (UPI) A test of a Minuteman III missile, fired from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and landing 4,200 miles away, was a success, the Air Force said on Wednesday.
The unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched late Tuesday night, and arrived on target at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the branch said.
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Air Force officials said the test demonstrated that the U.S. nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies.