Air Force Global Strike Command just tested an intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific
"The flight test program demonstrates one part of the operational capability of the ICBM weapon system," said Col. Omar Colbert, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander.
The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners. The airmen who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and educated the Air Force has to offer.
Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB were selected for the task force to support the test launch. Malmstrom is one of three missile bases with crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation's ICBM alert forces.
"It's been an incredible opportunity for Malmstrom's team of combat crew and maintenance members to partner with the professionals from the 576th FLTS and 30th Space Wing," said Maj. Kurt Antonio, Task Force commander.
"I'm extremely proud of the team's hard work and dedication to accomplish a unique and important mission to prepare the ICBM for the test and monitor the sortie up until test execution. The attention given to every task accomplished here reflects the precision and professionalism they — and our fellow airmen up north — bring every day to ensure the success of our mission out in the missile field," he said.
The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of US national security and the security of US allies and partners.
The launch calendars are built three to five years in advance, and planning for each individual launch begins six months to a year prior to launch.
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