Lompoc Record:

An unarmed Minuteman III missile is scheduled to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base this weekend as part of an operational test.

The intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled to be fired from the north side of the base between 11 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday.

The purpose of the test launch is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

“This mission continues a long string of vital ICBM flight tests from Vandenberg Air Force Base,” said Col. J. Christopher Moss, the 30th Space Wing commander and launch decision authority. “The launch not only demonstrates the capability of the Minuteman III weapon system but also the tremendous capabilities of airmen who maintain and operate it.

“The men and women of the 30th Space Wing are proud to partner with the Air Force Global Strike Command team to conduct this important launch.”

Minuteman missiles are part of the country’s nuclear weapon fleet. The Air Force has said it plans to keep the missiles in service until at least 2030.

This weekend’s launch team, under the direction of VAFB’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, includes aircrew members from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and crew members and maintainers from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

The launch will be the fourth this year from VAFB. It will be the second test of a U.S. weapon system.

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