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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – The launch door of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile prepares to open during a simulated electronic launch test here, May 5. During this test, all the actions of the launch, leading up to the opening of the launch door, are implemented to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the Minuteman III ICBM. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Joe Rivera)

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – The launch door of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile flies open during a simulated electronic launch test here, May 5. During this test all the actions of the launch that leads up to the opening of the launch door will be performed to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the Minuteman III ICBM. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Joe Rivera)

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – Members from the 91st Missile Wing watch as a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launch door prepares to open during a simulated electronic launch test here, May 5. The launch door weighs nearly 110 tons and will be using 1 out of 4 actuators to move the weight of the door open. This test will perform all the actions of the launch that leads up to the opening of the launch door to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the Minute Man III ICBM. 2009 was a year that brought progress and a renewed emphasis on safe, secure and reliable nuclear operations. The 91st Missile Wing transitioned to Air Force Global Strike Command with the 5th Bomb Wing scheduled to follow suit in 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman First Class Joe Rivera)

Minot Airmen simulate launch

Published May 6, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Cory Smith
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing test their deployed status here Tuesday during a simulated electronic launch of the Minuteman III, part of the Giant PACE 09-1M exercise.

"This test ensures all aspects are 100 percent mission capable in a deployed environment and all
systems function as designed," said Col. Mike Spencer, 91st Missile Wing vice commander. During the test, the operators send out a system of commands and test the system's responses to the commands.

The launch facility enclosure door opened as it would have been had it been a real launch. The information gathered from the SEL is used to evaluate not only the operation of the Minuteman III but ensures our credible capability.

During the exercise, two launch control centers and six missiles are used to perform the test. Maintainers physically isolate the two capsules from the rest of the squadron by disconnecting communication lines between the test launch facility and any other non-test launch facilities, creating a mini-SEL squadron. Once the SEL launch facilities are isolated and interface with the command and control software, they are ready to perform the SEL.

This exercise is unique because Airmen from the 576th Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg, Ca., simulated a launch inside a C-29 airplane's airborne launch control center. "Everything went exactly according to the plan," said 1st Lieutenant Chuck Trovarello, 91st Operation Support Squadron missile deputy crew commander instructor.

The end of the SEL does not mark the end of the exercise for the 91st MW. It continues with two other launches (without door actuation) from two launch control centers around the base.