Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

An over 100-ton launcher closer door is propelled into a pile of sand during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. SELM tests are performed to verify the reliability of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, without physically firing a missile. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

A U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury, assigned to the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, sits on a tarmac Sept. 19, 2025, in Great Falls, Mont. The aircraft is a communications relay and strategic airborne command post that provides survivable, reliable and endurable airborne Nuclear Command, Control and Communications for the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

Senior Airman Andrew Ruiz, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron mechanical and pneudraulics system technician, tests his equipment during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. SELM tests provide essential data on the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system’s operational readiness, testing the ground infrastructure and communication systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

Tech Sgt. Jason Havinga, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron area supervisor, observes missile maintenance crew members enter a launch facility during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. SELMs provide valuable, hands-on training opportunities for all the crews involved, showcasing their critical roles in the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launch process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

Senior Airman Andrew Ruiz, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron mechanical and pneudraulics system technician, and Tech Sgt. Marcus Rondot, 341 MMXS MAPS technician team chief, walk towards a launch facility during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. The team was sent into the area to confirm there were no biohazards present after the launch facility blast door was opened. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Sundling, 341st Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering technician, listens to a radio call during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. Months of preparation are required for a test launch order to be given, ensuring the exercise is conducted in a properly controlled environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

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Malmstrom showcases Minuteman III ICBM capabilities through Simulated Electronic Launch test

Published Sept. 23, 2025
By A1C Jack Rodriguez Escamilla

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- An over 100-ton launcher closer door is propelled into a pile of sand during a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test Sept. 18, 2025, near Winifred, Mont. SELM tests are performed to verify the reliability of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, without physically firing a missile. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)