VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA (BNO NEWS) — The U.S. Air Force on Wednesday test-launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from California on early Wednesday.

The ICBM was launched from Launch Facility-04 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California at 3.40 a.m. local time, marking the 1,900th launch from the facility since 1957.

The missile’s single re-entry test vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles (6,759 kilometers) before reaching its pre-determined target near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The Air Force said ICBM analysts will use data from the missile to ensure the readiness and capability of the ICBM fleet.

“These launches teach us a great deal and require a team approach,” said Colonel Carl DeKemper, commander and mission director of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. “The launch was part of our continuous self-assessment of the technical and weapons system expertise of our Airmen and the powerful capability of the ICBM fleet.”

Colonel Steven Winters, the 30th Space Wing vice commander and the Launch Decision Authority for Wednesday’s mission, also welcomed the 1,900th launch as a milestone in the history of Vandenberg Air Force base.

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