Air Force test-launches intercontinental ballistic missile from Calif. military base

Air Force test-launches missile from Calif. base

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The Air Force has test-launched a Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile from California.

The ICBM lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday. It was the 1,900th launch from the Santa Barbara County military base since 1957.

The Air Force says the missile’s single re-entry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles over the Pacific Ocean before hitting a target near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Col. Carl DeKemper of the 576th Flight Test Squadron says in a statement that the test ensures the readiness and capability of the ICBM fleet.

Also participating in the launch was the 341st Missile Wing from Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg.