Minuteman III test missile launches Published March 1, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Torri Savarese 90th Missile Wing, Public Affairs VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unarmed Minuteman III ICBM was launched during an operational test at 2:46 a.m. Feb. 25 from Launch Facility-09 on north Vandenberg. Col. Nina Armagno, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority. 30th Space Wing Western Range safety operations went as planned during the flight test. "Extensive resources are devoted to every launch mission to ensure safety in our local area and downrange," said Armagno. "Public safety is my first priority during all launch operations." The missile's single reentry test vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to a pre-determined target located near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The launch was recorded as a success. A successful test is one where the missile launches, completes its flight path within the narrow safety corridor, equipment functions properly, all sensor data is collected, and the simulated reentry vehicle impacts where targeted. "It's truly a testament to the professionalism of the men and women of the 90th Missile Wing when we have a successful test launch," said Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander. "Each person in this wing does their part to ensure the mission is successful, and with millions of pieces needed to perform perfectly, it is evident how important every single person is to the nuclear deterrence mission." Glory Trip 203 Task Force members: Lt. Col. Glenn Harris, Task Force commander Capt. Russell Williams, Maintenance officer in charge Senior Master Sgt. Marc Vogt, Noncommissioned officer in charge Tech. Sgt. Lew Allen, Missile maintenance team Senior Airman Joel Moses, Missile maintenance team Senior Airman Nathan Borchardt, Missile maintenance team Senior Airman Nicholas Kolja, Missile maintenance team Senior Airman Christopher Graham, Missile maintenance team Staff Sgt. Tony Williams, Missile handling team Senior Airman Rusty Tinnon, Missile handling team Senior Airman Chris Hermosillo, Missile handling team Senior Airman Michael Bobadillo, Missile handling team Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Vallejo, Quality assurance Staff Sgt. Steven Brown, Electro-mechanical team Senior Airman Phillip Noe, Electro-mechanical team Tech. Sgt. Jason Harper, Missile handling team Lt. Col. John Ard, Operations Officer (Malmstrom) Capt. Joe Esplin, Missile Combat Crew commander Capt. Zachary Sumner, Missile Combat Crew commander 1st Lt. Andrea Haack, Missile Combat Crew commander 1st Lt. Ryan Hepler, Missile Combat Crew commander (Malmstrom) 1st Lt. Nathan Reynolds, Missile Combat Crew commander (Malmstrom) 2nd Lt. Kristin Geisz, Deputy Missile Combat Crew commander (Malmstrom)