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. This test, designated GT 254, evaluated the ongoing reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM system, a cornerstone of America's national defense.
A team of AFGSC Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron employing the Airborne Launch Control System from aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, initiated the launch, testing the effectiveness and continuous 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 the continued reliability and accuracy of the ICBM weapon system.”
The Western Test Range at Vandenberg SFB serves as the testing ground for this critical effort. This launch is part of a series of routine and periodic activities crucial to assessing and validating the Minuteman III's capabilities. These tests, conducted with stringent safety protocols, allow AFGSC to collect valuable data.
“This test validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. “Through this comprehensive assessment, conducted by a dedicated team of AFGSC Airmen, we ensure 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 the meticulous planning and execution of the test launch.
The unarmed ICBM's reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The Reagan Test Site, equipped with advanced sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, optical sensors, and telemetry, collected critical data during the terminal phase of flight. RTS team members analyze this data to evaluate system performance and support the research, development, test, and evaluation of America's defense and space programs.
Airmen from all three AFGSC missile wings comprised the task force supporting the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, provided essential maintenance support. This collective effort underscored the commitment and expertise of the Airmen who maintain and operate this vital weapon system.
As the U.S. Air Force modernizes its ICBM force with the LGM-35A Sentinel weapon system, maintaining the readiness of the existing 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, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.