Minuteman II Launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on 7 February

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile will be launched from north Vandenberg
Wednesday as part of the Force Development Evaluation Program. The launch window is scheduled from 12:01 to 6:01 a.m. PST. The purpose
of this launch is to test the reliability and accuracy of the weapon system.

The missile will be launched by a task force from the 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Launch activities will be directed by Capt. Phillip
Opela, 576th Flight Test Squadron. Col. Richard A. Strathearn, 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the spacelift commander.

Maintenance members from the 341st SW and the 576th FLTS, led by Lt. Col. Jodie Bliss, conducted all maintenance activities for the launch.

The missiles three unarmed re-entry vehicles are expected to travel approximately 4,200 miles in about 30 minutes, hitting a pre-determined
target at the Kwajalein Missile Range in the western chain of the Marshall Islands. The nation’s ICBMs are a key component of global stability – a
safe, secure, affordable weapon system that delivers deterrence.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media who want to cover the event must arrive at the Main Gate Visitor’s Center no later than 11 p.m., Tuesday for escort to the
viewing area. Members who plan to attend should call Staff Sgt. Rebecca Bonilla at (805) 606-3595.