VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael J. Lutton, right, deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jo Naumann, middle, command senior enlisted leader, USSTRATCOM, and Casey L. Deering, left, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Matters, engage in conversation after a 377th Test and Evaluation Group mission brief prior to an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., March 3, 2026.
The ICBM test launch ensures the reliability of the nation’s land-based leg of the nuclear triad, which is a key component to USSTRATCOM’s strategic deterrence mission. The leadership team visited the base to engage with members of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group and observe the test launch, designated as Glory Trip 255, which was scheduled years ago, and is not in response to world events.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to AFGSC.