Minuteman III test highlights US nuclear readiness

Minuteman III test highlights US nuclear readiness
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 05, 2024

A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Space Force Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on June 4 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The launch took place at 12:56 a.m. Pacific Time and included one re-entry vehicle.

This test, part of routine activities, aims to show that the United States' nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable, and effective against modern threats. Such tests have occurred over 300 times and are not related to current events.

"Our Strikers and our nuclear mission are the bedrock of our nation's defense and international security," said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, AFGSC commander. "As part of that mission, our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stand ready to respond at a moment's notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad, and our test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective and credible global combat capability."

The missile's re-entry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The site's sensors support the evaluation of America's defense and space programs by collecting radar, optical, and telemetry data.

"RTS brings a range of sensors with decades of experience in collecting and analyzing truth data to support range customers," said RTS director Col. Juan R. Santiago.

"The U.S. nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners around the globe," said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. "Today's test launch is just one example of how our nation's ICBMs, and the professional Airmen who maintain and operate them, demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It showcases our commitment to deterrence as we stand on continuous alert, 24/7/365."

The test launch involved months of preparation and multiple government partners. Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force, with maintenance support provided by the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.

Data from these launches support the ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, for ongoing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III, ensuring a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security.

AFGSC, headquartered at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport-Bossier City, oversees the nation's three ICBM wings and the Air Force's bomber force. Approximately 33,700 professionals are assigned to its units worldwide. AFGSC celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024.

The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM, with initial capability expected by 2029. Until then, the Minuteman III will remain a critical component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.