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Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of US nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

Posted on April 19, 2023

A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy aircrew launched an unarmed

An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted today, April 19, 2023, at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The missile used in GT-246 launched in the early hours of the morning with a launch command delivered from the Air Launch Control System on a Navy E-6 TACAMO, which stands for “take charge and move out.”

This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas)

Mission/Training Readiness

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