Minuteman III launch delayed Published May 11, 2009 By 030509 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The scheduled operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is delayed to allow for additional data collection while in the operational ground configuration. A new launch date has yet to be established. "We are working with the Western Range to establish a new launch date at their earliest convenience," said Lt. Col. Lesa Toler, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. "It's not an easy process as the Western Range, Pacific Missile Range and Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll are all extremely busy and have competing priorities to de-conflict. "Our additional testing, though, will allow us to further improve the operational effectiveness of the nation's most powerful weapon system," Colonel Toler said. Vandenberg Air Force Base Public Affairs will release the new launch date once it becomes available.