U.S. military tests nuclear missile in Southern California
If you were outside around 1 a.m. Wednesday on the West Coast, you may have seen or heard the U.S. military test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile.
A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Vandenberg Space Force Base Guardians launched an unmanned Minuteman III ICBM equipped with a 'single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle' from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, according to a media release from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
Vandenberg serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command's ICBM deterrent infrastructure. Wednesday morning's test was part of what federal officials call 'routine and periodic activities' that ensure the United States' nuclear deterrent 'remains safe, secure, reliable and effective in deterring 21st century threats and reassuring our allies.'
'Wednesday's test launch is just one of the ways the [U.S. Air Force] demonstrates the readiness, precision and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,' Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth said. 'It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrence mission.'
Over 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past, officials said. The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, which is located at Vandenberg SFB, is the nation's only dedicated ICBM test organization that professionally runs tests that measure both the current and future capabilities of the nation's ICBM force.
According to 377th Test and Evaluation Group Commander Col. Dustin Harmon, officials looked at key data points that not only help maintain current ICBM technology but pave the way for new technology.
'During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,' said Col. Harmon. 'This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.'
The Air Force's Sentinel weapon system is a modernization of the ground leg of the U.S. nuclear system being overseen by aerospace and defense firm Northrop Grumman.
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