Vandenberg executes back-to-back space, ICBM launches as operations deputy marks final mission
U.S. Space Force Col. Dorian Hatcher, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander for operations, observes launch operations during an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 20, 2026. Hatcher served as the Launch Decision Authority for the 12:01 a.m. test launch, which followed a Falcon 9 launch carrying 24 satellites to low-Earth orbit just hours earlier at 7:42 p.m., May 19. This was Hatcher’s final launch prior to departing Vandenberg SFB to command U.S. Space Forces-Korea. (U.S. Space Force photo by Jennifer Green-Lanchoney)
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Jennifer Green-Lanchoney
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