ICBM test launch a success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An unarmed operational test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from the 91st Missile Wing assigned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., was successfully launched here June 22.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron, responsible for executing proper coordination of test launch operations, completed its mission of demonstrating the effectiveness of the Minuteman III's strategically guided targeting capabilities worldwide. The missile launched early morning and reached its predetermined target approximately 4,200 miles away, near the Marshall Islands, within half an hour.

There are three launches per year that are conducted as part of Air Force Global Strike Command's test launch of an ICBM from each of its three functional missile wings. These events are hosted at one of Vandenberg AFB's launch facilities.

Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, 20th Air Force commander, attended the launch and expressed the importance of successfully carrying out this launch.

"Our mission of nuclear deterrence is extremely vital," said General Alston. "We express deterrence every day through the hard work and sweat of personnel from each missile wing, but nothing reinforces the credibility of our deterrence as dramatically as these test launches."

General Alston said data collected on specifics of the launch would be analyzed and if need be, used for future force development.

Among the several agencies that contributed to the execution of the launch were 91st MW maintenance and operating teams.

Lt. Col. Jamie Wakefield, 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron and task force commander, led the teams as they participated in the operational tests and evaluations of the ICBM.

"Our teams have been out here since mid-May supporting the 576th FLTS," said Colonel Wakefield. "We have been well supported by them as well and have effectively worked together as a cohesive team."

Colonel Wakefield said the launched ICBM had been disassembled from one of Minot AFB's launch facilities and shipped to Vandenberg AFB where it was reconstructed, evaluated and put to the test.

"Once here in Vandenberg, the crews in charge of the operational functions of the tests and evaluations of the sortie made sure everything was ready to go," Colonel Wakefield said.

While he said he had witnessed space and missile launches while stationed at Vandenberg earlier in his career, this launch was of the first that he had a real vested interest in as a participant and was grateful of the hard work and effort put in by his team members.

"The operators and maintainers here have done a fantastic job throughout the entire process," said Colonel Wakefield. "Everyone runs their respective sections and they always do what they need to do to get the job done and make the mission ahead a success."

Among the attendees who witnessed the success of the mission was John Knecht, Minot Area Chamber of Commerce chair elect and Randy Hauck, board member for the MACC.

"Attending an event like this gives board members an opportunity to learn a little bit more about what our young military men and women do at Minot AFB," said Mr. Hauck. "I get to see firsthand how ready and efficient they are."

Mr. Hauck explained he was enthusiastic about going back and explaining to the Minot community of the success and overall importance of the base's mission and the value of supporting their military neighbors.