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An unarmed Minuteman III ICBM was launched from Launch Facility-04 on North Vandenberg at 1:22 a.m. June 14. |
 Minuteman III ICBM Launch. (File photo)
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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Launch Facility-04 on North Vandenberg at 1:22 a.m. June 14.
The primary purpose of the launch was to assess and demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the Minuteman III weapon system.
The missile's three unarmed re-entry vehicles traveled approximately 4,800 miles in about 30 minutes, hitting pre-determined targets at the Kwajelin Missile Range in the western chain of the Marshall Islands. The 90th Space Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., provided the missile from its inventory.
"While ICBM launches from Vandenberg almost seem routine, each one requires a tremendous amount of effort and absolute attention to detail in order to accurately assess the current performance and capability of the nation's fielded ICBM force that is always on-alert in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska," Colonel Davis said. "This specific test will provide key accuracy and reliability data for on-going and future modifications to the weapon system, which are key to improving the already impressive effectiveness of the Minuteman III force."
The data collected from the mission 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 United States Strategic Command planners to ensure effective employment of the Minuteman III, should it be required.
625th Strategic Operations Squadron Activated at Offutt AFBJun. 14, 2007
In a ceremony held today in the shadow of the Minuteman I Intercontinental Ballistic Missile outside USSTRATCOM Headquarters, Major General Thomas Deppe, commander Twentieth Air Force and STRATCOM Task Force 214 activated the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron. The 625th is a tenant unit on Offutt AFB and reports directly to 20 AF, located at Frances E. Warren AFB in Wyoming.
US Responds to Putin's Call for Meeting on Forces in EuropeMay 29, 2007
A Pentagon spokesman says the United States would be "disappointed" if Russia stopped meeting its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty. The comment came the day after Russia called for a meeting of the treaty's signatory nations next month. VOA's Al Pessin reports from the Pentagon.
Navy launches Trident II D5 missiles on Eastern Range, sets record for successMay 26, 2007
U.S. Navy successfully launched two Trident II missiles configured with a new test missile kit design from a submarine May 15 on the Eastern Range.
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