Air Force Global Strike Command is conducting an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile this week.

The launch is scheduled between 12:01 and 5:01 a.m. Pacific Time May 21 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

It’s a routine test launch that was scheduled years in advance.

Sentinel design progressing; Air Force decides on new silos for new missile

The missile for this launch was pulled from the 341st Missile Wing’s complex and transported to Vandenberg.

The Air Force rotates between the three missile wings to pull a missile.

The launch crew will include a mix of airmen from the three missile wings.

Air Force activates Malmstrom unit for ICBM conversion

Maintainers are coming from both Malmstrom and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

The ICBM test launches are used to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.

Air Force completes ICBM test launch

“The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” according to AFGSC.

The Air Force is maintaining the Minuteman III system while it converts to the new Sentinel system.