21 April 2017
ICBM test launch planned for Wednesday at VAFB
Staff Report
Santa Maria Times

August 2015 - a re-entry vehicle from a Minuteman III launched from Vandenberg AFB lands in the Marshall Islands

The launch of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, is slated to take place between 12:01 and 6:01 a.m. The purpose of the test launch is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. J. Christopher Moss, the 30th Space Wing commander at VAFB, is the launch decision authority.

"Team V is once again ready to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to successfully launch another Minuteman III missile," Moss said. "These Minuteman launches are essential to verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities. We are proud of our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron to execute these missions for the nation."