Vandenberg successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman II

Team Vandenberg successfully launched an
unarmed Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile today at 7:40 p.m.
in support of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Segment, formerly the
National Missile Defense Program.

“This success is a great example of the tremendous teamwork that is
characteristic of Team Vandenberg,” said Col. Robert M. Worley II, 30th
Space Wing commander.

The Ground-based Midcourse Defense Segment is managed by the Ballistic
Missile Defense Organization’s Joint Program Office in Washington, D.C.
This makes the first launch for the program this year. The last launch took
place July 7, 2000.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Still photos and videos will be available for credentialed
media at the Main Gate Visitor’s Center approximately three hours after
launch.