The United States Air Force has conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, assessing the reliability and readiness of America’s nuclear deterrent.
According to U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, the launch, designated GT 254, was designed to validate the missile system’s accuracy and operational performance as the service transitions to the next generation LGM-35A Sentinel. The command said the exercise formed part of a long-running series of routine tests used to ensure that the intercontinental ballistic missile force remains fully capable.
Lt Col Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said the trial was “a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission.”
The launch sequence was initiated remotely from a US Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft using the Airborne Launch Control System, which serves as a backup command and control method for the missile force.
The unarmed re-entry vehicle travelled about 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where telemetry and optical sensors recorded performance data.
Col Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, said the trial “validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system,” noting that the data gathered would inform future intercontinental ballistic missile development and sustainment.
Air Force Global Strike Command confirmed that personnel from all three of its missile wings took part in the exercise, supported by maintainers from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The command said the event demonstrated the continuing integrity of the Minuteman III fleet as modernisation gathers pace.
Gen S. L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, added: “As we modernise to the Sentinel weapon system, we must continue to maintain the readiness of the existing Minuteman III fleet. GT 254 helps fulfil that commitment, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability.”
A periodic, succinct message to the CRINKs: Stay the hell on your side of the red line, and everyone has an opportunity to grow older.
Yup, that’s the trouble with “Lines”. Just think what a lovely World we could have If we didn’t have Lines to cross.
Lines on maps.
Religion.
Politics.
Greed.
That’s the 4 biggest killers.
Lines on maps define the geography of administrative domains. Running a functioning society without them would be a tad challenging.
Lines on maps are necessary, correct. But, they only work if both sides of the line agree on the nature of the line.
Agreed. I like lines. They also need enforcing.
Unfortunately yes they do.
It’s one of the downsides of the Human era.
No Shit 😂😂😂😂
If you do not respect others red lines, then why should yours be respected?
Not sure anyone mentioned anything about red lines – just lines.
I suspect they were thinking about internationally respected boarders. That sort of thing.
Oops I was not reading all the comments properly. Red lines were mentioned. Trouble with red lines is that people make them up as they go along. The key factor really is probably everyone take note of the lines (red or otherwise) which have stood the test of time.
Red Lines are there to be abused, a ride without hitting the red is a ride wasted, nothing more fun than hitting the Rev Limit in 6th.
Anyway, How’s life in Kakistan ?
Ay up, She’s vanished again !
Puff, just like Mr Ben.
(Puff as in smoke not anything derogitory against any particular type of human)
Hello Halfwit, forgive the slow reply. I am well, I have a week off now so have gone home to spend time with partner and horses and of course seeing what interesting comments UKDJ has to offer.
I hope you are well
I like Horses too !
Couldn’t eat a whole one but the odd burger is OK.
“Interesting comments” are plentifull as always but there are some rather annoying types who just cannot be serious.
The world has many annoying people, im am sure many here think I am annoying 🙂
To be fair that sort of solidarity has been keeping us safe for 80 years.
Nice lesson for the Chicoms.
They must have spent months making sure it would work.
Moat will never leave their silos and the replacements are not designed or have anything approaching an engine.