 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen conducted an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ballistic missile on February 23rd. This test launch used a randomly selected intercontinental ballistic missile from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The missile was transported more than 1,300 miles and reassembled at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The ICBM was equipped with a test reentry vehicle and traveled approximately 4,200 miles at a speed of more than 15,000 miles per hour to a test range near the Quadjolina Toll in the Marshall Islands. These ICBM test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. The 50-year-old Minuteman IIIs are based in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming and will be replaced by the ground-based strategic deterrent missile. Reporting for Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, I'm Michael Stonesifer.