The Department of War and U.S. Space Force conducted the operational test, designated GT 254, from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 1:35 a.m. Pacific Time on November 5.

Officials said the launch was part of a longstanding schedule of activities not tied to current geopolitical events.

Night Launch From Vandenberg Range

The unarmed Minuteman III lifted off from Vandenberg’s Western Test Range at 1:35 a.m. Pacific Time, sending its reentry vehicle roughly 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The Department of War said the event was an “operational test launch” to check reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the system.

GT 254 followed established notification procedures, and officials stressed that such tests are “routinely” conducted and unrelated to any specific crisis.

Airborne Launch Shows Backup Control

Airmen from Air Force Global Strike Command’s 625th Strategic Operations Squadron initiated the launch using the Airborne Launch Control System aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft.

The test thus demonstrated a backup command-and-control path for the intercontinental ballistic missile force in addition to ground-based launch centers.

“GT 254 is not just a launch – it’s a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission,” said Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron.

Multi-Wing Effort And Data Gathering

Personnel from all three missile wings under Air Force Global Strike Command participated, with maintenance support from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

The 377th Test and Evaluation Group oversaw planning and execution, while the Reagan Test Site collected terminal-phase data via radar, optical sensors, and telemetry.

“This test validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, who leads the 377th.

Legacy System Ahead Of Sentinel Era

Officials framed the launch as part of the bridge to the LGM-35A Sentinel, which will eventually replace Minuteman III across the missile fields.

Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said GT 254 helps “ensure its continued accuracy and reliability” as the fleet ages.

The department added that, “Under @POTUS & @SECWAR, we have PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” casting the November 5 test as reinforcement of U.S. strategic deterrence.