F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing supported the successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Feb. 19, 2025. The scheduled test, conducted by Air Force Global Strike Command in coordination with Airmen from across the ICBM enterprise, demonstrated the readiness, effectiveness and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
Missileers and maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing participated directly in the launch operations, ensuring the Minuteman III missile from F.E. Warren Air Force Base performed as expected. The test reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and credible strategic deterrent, a foundation of national security.
“This successful test reflects the unwavering commitment of the Mighty Ninety’s Airmen to maintaining a combat-ready ICBM force,” said Col. Johnny Galbert, 90th Missile Wing commander. “Our missileers, defenders and maintenance teams work long hours to ensure our nation’s most powerful weapons remain ready at all times in support of the nuclear deterrence mission.”
The Minuteman III launch is part of a regularly scheduled test program designed to assess the system’s reliability and accuracy. These tests are not in response to any world events but are essential to ensuring the continued credibility of the nuclear deterrent force. The missile traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, gathering valuable data for system analysis and modernization efforts.
The 90th Missile Wing, headquartered at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, is one of three missile wings overseeing the nation’s Minuteman III ICBM arsenal. The wing’s Airmen stand alert 24/7, operating and maintaining hundreds of missiles across multiple states, embodying the Air Force’s mission to deter aggression and assure allies. Those missile wings fall under the Twentieth Air Force, also headquartered at F.E. Warren AFB.
“Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth. “It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”
For the 90th Missile Wing story and photos:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/491414/precision-motion-90th-missile-wing-successfully-executes-unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch
For imagery from the launch:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/491005/minuteman-iii-test-launch-showcases-readiness-us-nuclear-forces-safe-effective-deterrent
For video from the launch: