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MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH SCHEDULED

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  • By 010515
An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2015, between 3:36 a.m. and 9:36 a.m. from north Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the Launch Decision Authority.

"The launch process requires tremendous teamwork and involves months of preparation," said Balts. "The data gained from these launches allows us to maintain a high readiness capability and ensures operational effectiveness of the most powerful weapons in the nation's arsenal."

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, includes crew members and maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.