KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- On Nov. 5, a joint team of Airmen and Navy crew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test, where the 377th Test and Evaluation Group underscored the U.S. commitment to nuclear readiness through inter-branch cooperation. The 377 TEG conducted this test using missile assets and personnel from the Air Force Global Strike Command, supported by a Space Force launch facility.
“This test is about as joint as you can get. We, the Air Force 377th Test and Evaluation Group are launching an Air Force missile which has Department of Energy components on board, utilizing a Space Force base and range, flying across a Navy operated test range, terminating at an Army test range, and utilizing the Coast Guard to protect our safe zones,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377 Test and Evaluation Group commander.
This exercise, drawing on resources and expertise from the Air Force, Navy, Space Force, Army, and Coast Guard, reflects the seamless integration essential to maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
The TEG, located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, is assigned to the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force base. The TEG supports a systems and component approach to successfully accomplish test launches, nuclear command and control software tests, and simulated electronic launch tests for operational ICBM units.