Malmstrom Minuteman III launches from Vandenberg

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  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a joint test assembly launched from North Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 23 at 9:01 a.m.

The launch is an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy.

The missile carried one unarmed re-entry vehicle approximately 4,190 miles at speeds in excess of 15,000 mph to a pre-determined target near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Col. Steven Winters, the 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the mission's launch decision authority. Col. Carl T. DeKemper, the 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, was the mission director for this test launch.

Throughout the preparation and execution of the mission, maintenance and operations task force personnel from the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., integrated with the 576th FLTS to perform operational tasks.

"For me personally it has been an honor to lead this truly outstanding group of professionals," said Col. Zannis Pappas, 490th Missile Squadron commander at Malmstrom. "They all formed a cohesive team from day one and they performed all their tasks flawlessly. Their efforts were recognized by both [General Kevin Chilton, U.S. Strategic Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, 20th Air Force commander.]

Missile handling, missile maintenance and electromechanical team members from Malmstrom arrived about 30 days prior to the launch to emplace the MMIII, and remained there to maintain the missile just as they would at home station, he said.

"This is the pinnacle of what we do," said Master Sgt. Jason Broach, 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron task force NCO in charge. "I've seen a lot of launches at Vandenberg, but this is the first time as NCOIC of the task force. It's an awesome opportunity and one I have strived for my entire career. Seventeen years in the making."

Two missile combat crew members from each of Malmstrom's three missile squadrons also made the trip to Vandenberg to man the launch control center and send the Minuteman downrange.

"Test launches are done about three times a year," said 1st Lt. Cory Kuehn, 10th Missile Squadron deputy missile combat crew commander at Malmstrom. "Since a test launch of a missile from Malmstrom may only occur once a year, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Missileers also got a chance to watch the maintenance crews emplace the missile, something they normally do not get to see, said Capt. Stephen Doyle, 490th MS deputy missile combat crew commander.

"We are always in the capsule when maintenance is being performed, so it was interesting to see that," he said. "It's an honor to be here."

Members of the 576th FLTS installed tracking, telemetry and command destruct systems on the missile to collect data and meet 30th Space Wing safety requirements.

This launch, the second of three in 2009, comes at a time of change within the missile world, as the Air Force moves closer to combining its nuclear missile and bomber assets into the newly created Global Strike Command.

"Our team is dedicated to ensuring a credible, safe and combat-ready ICBM force that convinces potential adversaries of our unwavering commitment to defend our nation, its allies and friends," Colonel Dekemper said. "This dedication will continue as the ICBM mission transfers to Air Force Global Strike Command."

The test also comes as the missile community commemorates half a century of nuclear deterrence. For the past 50 years, Vandenberg has been a key U.S. Air Force installation used in the development and operational validation of the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile fleet.

The entire ICBM community, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, will use the data collected from this mission for continuing force development evaluation.

Col. Anthony Cotton, 341st MW vice commander, distinguished visitors from the Great Falls community and a small group of Airmen from various career fields at Malmstrom also traveled to Vandenberg to witness the launch.

Portions of this article were contributed by Senior Airman Dillon White, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office.