Watch: Minuteman III missile blasts off from Vandenberg base
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc early Tuesday morning.
According to a Vandenberg news release, the missile launch took place at 12:49 a.m.
The test is meant to verify “the safety, security, effectiveness and readiness of the weapon system,” according to the release.
Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority.
”Tonight’s success is due to the hard work and dedication of Guardians and Airmen from across Team Vandenberg whose contributions are vital to our nation’s security,” Titus said in the release. “These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
