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Missile test launches at Vandenberg AFB

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Meiman
  • 90th Space Wing
Civilian community leaders, Warren Airmen and members of the Wyoming Air National Guard traveled to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Feb. 6 through 8 to witness the 30th Space Wing's first missile launch of the year.
"I was very impressed with the knowledge and skills that were demonstrated by the people we met and spoke with. I think we're in good hands," said Charlie West, Cheyenne Frontier Days chairman.
The unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, randomly chosen from Minot AFB, N.D., was launched from launch facility 10 at 12:14 a.m. Feb. 7 to test the weapon system's accuracy and reliability.
The group from Warren and the Cheyenne community watched the launch at the O1Echo observation site, a moth-balled launch control center and missile alert facility now used for tours.
"I felt very privileged to be here," Mr. West said. "The aura of the blast and the sounds it made were just breathtaking. It surpassed any sunrise or sunset I've ever seen or ever will see."
The missile's single re-entry vehicle traveled 4,200 miles in about 30 minutes to its pre-determined target at the Reagan test site near the western chain of the Marshall Islands. The missile, consisting of three rocket stages and its guidance and payload systems, was almost 60 feet long, 5 feet 6 inches wide and weighed more than 79,000 pounds. During its flight, it traveled at speeds in excess of 13,400 mph.
"We were so fortunate we got to see it. It was so amazing. There was definitely some reassurance in it," said Stephanie Teubner, Warren Federal Credit Union president. "It was one of the best experiences I've ever had."
The Warren group traveled to Vandenberg Feb. 6 on a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Wyoming ANG. Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th SW commander, greeted the group at the Pacific Coast club after they landed.
Col. Mike Carey, 90th SW commander; Col. Mike Fortney, 90th SW Operations Group commander; Col. Liston Mobley, 90th SW Maintenance Group commander; and Chief Master Sgt. David Green, 90th SW command chief, were also in attendance.
The guests listened to mission briefs for the 30th SW and the Missile Defense Agency and toured two space launch complexes at the base. These complexes are where space launches occur. At SLC - 3 the group was permitted to climb halfway up the facility tower nearly 200 feet in the air. Before viewing the launch, the group also toured the western range operations control center, where all launch oversight is conducted.
The following day the group visited the missile processing facility. An active missile was being prepared there for the next launch in April. All watches and jewelry were removed before entering to lessen the risk of sparks and fire.
"For me, the best part was seeing how impressed the civilians were to see what we do. It re-instilled what a wonderful rapport we have with the Cheyenne community. We should be very thankful for that," said Master Sgt. Dori Batten, 90th SW protocol.
Vandenberg Airmen, many hailing from Warren, briefed the group on their different jobs and functions at each of the locations.
"They really knew their stuff," said Darrel Hammon, Laramie County Community College president. "They were all from Warren. That shows how great they are to be chosen to come [to Vandenberg]. I wonder if Cheyenne really knows what goes on at the base. They train the best and the brightest."
"I'd love to do it again sometime," said John Contos, a local educator.