MINUTEMAN III LAUNCHES FROM VANDENBERG Published March 23, 2015 By 010315 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - - -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:36 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, here March 23. Col. Keith Balts, was the launch decision authority. "While ICBM launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base almost seem routine, each one requires a tremendous amount of effort and absolute attention to detail in order to accurately and safely assess the current performance and capability of the Nation's fielded ICBM force," said Balts. "This specific test will provide key accuracy and reliability data for on-going and future modifications to the weapon system, which are key to improving the already impressive effectiveness of the Minuteman III force." For information about the flight test, call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 456-2151.