Photos

GT246 Launches From Vandenberg

An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted today, April 19, 2023, at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The missile used in GT-246 launched in the early hours of the morning with a launch command delivered from the Air Launch Control System on a Navy E-6 TACAMO, which stands for “take charge and move out.” This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas)

PHOTO BY: Airman 1st Class Ryan Quijas
VIRIN: 230419-F-HB409-1003.JPG
FULL SIZE: 1.02 MB
Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON D850

LENS

N/A

APERTURE

180/10

SHUTTERSPEED

1172/10

ISO

250

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

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This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

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