MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG Published Oct. 21, 2015 By 041015 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 5:45 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, here, Oct. 21. Col. J. Christopher Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority. "This launch, like every operational test launch from Vandenberg, is a vital part of demonstrating the readiness of our nation's nuclear capabilities," Moss said. "The combined team from the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron performed exceptionally well during this important launch. It really was an impressive effort." 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. For information about the results of the flight test, call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 456-2151.