DELTA IV LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL Published Nov. 6, 2006 By 021106 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg AFB successfully launched a Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle at 5:53 a.m. today. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite. Col. Terry Djuric, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the spacelift commander, or final "go for launch" authority, for this mission. Lt. Col. David Goldstein, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander, was the Air Force Launch Director. "I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and the Vandenberg Launch Team planned and executed this Delta IV mission," said Col. Djuric. "This west coast launch helped kick off the Air Force's year long 60th anniversary celebration." "With today's launch, Vandenberg has provided 100 percent assured access to space, successfully launching 17 DMSP satellites since the 1st DMSP satellite was launched in 1976," she said. The 30th Space Wing is the Air Force Space Command organization responsible for Department of Defense space and missile launch activities on the West Coast of the United States. The 4th SLS oversees Vandenberg's evolved expendable launch vehicle programs including the Delta IV. The squadron is responsible for launch base and launch vehicle mission assurance. "From an operational perspective, this was another perfectly executed mission by the entire team," Col. Goldstein said. "The 4th SLS worked extremely well with our launch partners to bring everything together for that one perfect shot." For the complete Air Force story and more information about Vandenberg's launch units and missions, visit www.vandenberg.af.mil. -30- MEDIA ADVISORY: Video footage will be available approximately three hours after launch at the Vandenberg Visitor Control Center. Still photography will be distributed via e-mail. Questions concerning the Delta IV launch vehicle should be directed to Boeing Public Affairs at (714) 290-3975.