U.S. Air Force tests Minuteman III missiles

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif., March 30 (UPI) -- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles have been launched by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command to verify the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system.

Both Minuteman IIIs were unarmed, and their test re-entry vehicles impacted within 40 minutes of each other in a pre-established test area last week near the island of Guam.

"An operational test launch requires hard work, months of preparation, and outstanding team work between personnel on both bases," said Lt. Col. Daniel Hays, the 341st Missile Wing Task Force Commander. "These launches are a visible reminder to both our adversaries and our allies of the readiness and capability of the Minuteman III weapon system, and without the dedication of the men and women from both the 576th and the 341st, this test could not have happened."

"The two launches from the past week were a full team effort between the 576th, and the 90th and 341st Missile Wings," said Col. Kelvin Townsend, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander. "Launching multiple missiles in close proximity to each other adds an extra amount of realism to the operational test mission we fulfill here."

The launch team was under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and included personnel from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., as well as personnel from Warren AFB, Wyoming.

The Air Force said the ICBM community -- including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command -- will use the data collected from the firings for continuing force development evaluation.