Minutemann III Launched from Vandenberg AFB on 6 August

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The 30th Space Wing and a combined task force from the 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and the 576th Flight Test Squadron, launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile at 2:06 a.m. today from North Vandenberg as part of a flight test for Force Development Evaluation.

Launch activities were directed by Capt. Ed Mendones, 576th FLTS. Lt. Col. Anthony Blaylock, 576th FLTS commander, was mission director for this launch. Col. Frank Gallegos, 30th Space Wing commander, was the spacelift commander, or final go/no-go authority for the launch.

MEDIA ADVISORY: The 30th Space Communications Squadron shot still photo and video footage of this morning’s launch. Media can obtain copies by calling Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 after 10 a.m. today.