An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Vandenberg Friday at 6 a.m.

The launch was part of a developmental test to demonstrate the weapon system’s effectiveness in a stressed environment on extended range.

The missile's single unarmed re-entry vehicle traveled about 5,100 miles, hitting a predetermined water target near Guam in the Northern Mariana Islands.

“This test launch (file photo, right) evaluated the reliability and accuracy of the operational Minuteman III ICBM force in order to ensure the weapon system maintains the capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat our nation’s potential adversaries,” said Lt. Col. S. L. Davis, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander and mission director for the launch.

“This is critically important as the MM III is the only remaining ICBM and forms the basis of our nuclear deterrence through its ability to instantly respond when directed by the president.”

The data collected will be used by the entire ICBM community, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.

The reliability and accuracy data will also be used by U.S. Strategic Command planners.

“The mission of Vandenberg Air Force Base is first and foremost launch operations,” said Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th Space Wing commander and spacelift commander.

“We take tremendous pride in that mission and nobody does it better.” 

FMI: www.af.mil