The Air Force test-launched an unarmed Minuteman 3 missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles on Wednesday, the Air Force said.
The missile was launched at 11:39 p.m. PDT and involved personnel from Vandenberg’s 576th Flight Test Squadron and the 91st Missile Wing stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
According to the Air Force, the missile headed for a target area 4,200 miles away to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander and launch decision authority, said that the test-launch was a demonstration of U.S. ICBM capability.
“Today’s launch was an important demonstration of our nation’s ICBM capabilities,” Moss said in a statement. “As with all launches from the Western Range, it requires tremendous teamwork and focus to ensure a safe and successful launch. 30th Space Wing is proud to have partnered with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command to deliver this important mission for the nation.”
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