Former Minot AFB commander to lead Global Strike Command

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on November 5, 2025. The test, designated GT 254, evaluated the ongoing reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM system, a cornerstone of U.S. national defense.

A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron employed the Airborne Launch Control System aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft to initiate the launch, testing the effectiveness and availability of the ALCS, a backup command-and-control system for the ICBM force.

“GT 254 is not just a launch — it’s a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission,” said Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. “The data collected during the test is invaluable in ensuring continued reliability and accuracy.”

The Western Test Range at Vandenberg SFB served as the testing ground. The launch is part of routine activities used to assess and validate the Minuteman III’s capabilities. Strict safety protocols ensured valuable data collection throughout the test.

“This test validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group. “This comprehensive assessment ensures the highest standards of integrity and reliability for the Nation’s ICBM system.”

The 377th Test and Evaluation Group — the Air Force’s only dedicated ICBM test organization — oversaw planning and execution of the launch.

The unarmed missile’s reentry vehicle traveled roughly 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The Reagan Test Site, equipped with advanced sensors including high-fidelity radars, optical sensors, and telemetry, collected critical data during the terminal phase of flight. RTS analysts use this data to evaluate performance and support defense and space programs.

Airmen from all three AFGSC missile wings comprised the task force supporting the launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, provided essential maintenance support.

As the Air Force moves toward the LGM-35A Sentinel weapon system, sustaining the Minuteman III remains a top priority.

“As we modernize to the Sentinel weapon system, we must continue to maintain the readiness of the existing Minuteman III fleet. GT 254 helps fulfill that commitment,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.