ATLAS V LAUNCHED FROM VANDENBERG Published Dec. 6, 2013 By 041213 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload launched by Team Vandenberg from Space Launch Complex-3 here Thursday at 11:14:30 PST. Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority. "This was our eleventh launch for 2013 and I couldn't be more proud of this team of professionals," said Balts. "This new capability represents our commitment to enhanced competitive launch services in support of national defense."