Minuteman 3 test missile launches from California

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. Air Force has test-launched an unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile from California.

The missile lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 7:45 a.m. PDT Tuesday on a 4,200-mile flight over the Pacific to a target on the Kwajalein Atoll.

The Air Force Global Strike Command says the test was a success.

Col. Michael Lutton, 91st Missile Wing commander, said in a statement that the test was a visible demonstration of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

The statement says the Department of Defense will use the data collected from this mission for continuing force development evaluation.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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