A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The test used a missile pulled from the Malmstrom Air Force Base complex.

The Western Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing ground for the AFGSC’s deterrent architecture.

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This test launch is part of the Air Force’s routine testing program designed to demonstrate that the U.S. nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable and effective and reassuring U.S. allies.

The Air Force has conducted more than 300 such tests as part of the ongoing effort to maintain a credible deterrent an is not related to any real world events, according to AFGSC.

The last ICBM test launch was in February.

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“This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad,” Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AGFSC commander, said in a release. “This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who supports them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.”

Vandenberg’s 377th Test and Evaluation Group oversaw the test launch and is the only dedicated ICBM test organization professionally executing tests that accurately measure the current and future capability of the ICBM force.

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“Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nation’s strategic deterrent and the unwavering dedication of the airmen who ensure its readiness are a testament to its inherent lethality,” Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th commander, said in a release. “Their expertise and commitment are vital to maintaining this credible force for peace. As we look to the future, these same airmen are paving the way for the Sentinel ICBM, ensuring a seamless transition to this next-generation capability and the continued security of our nation.”

The ICBM’s reentry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site located within Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Kwajalein Atoll.

Reagan Test Site sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, optical sensors and telemetry, support the research, development, test and evaluation of U.S. defense and space programs. For these tests, RTS team members collect radar, optical and telemetry data in the terminal phase of flight to evaluate system performance.

“Reagan Test Site is an indispensable national asset, uniquely equipped to support critical tests of our nation’s offensive and defensive systems, including all Glory Trip missions,” Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, RTS range director, said in a release. “Its specialized instrumentation and strategic location are unmatched globally, ensuring the effectiveness of our nation’s strategic deterrent.”

The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners.

Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch.

Maintainers from Malmstrom and the 90th Missile Wing Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming supported maintenance requirements.

The Department of Defense, Department of Energy and U.S. Strategic Command use data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation.

The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM, and until full capability is achieved, the Air Force maintaining and operating the Minuteman III system.