The Air Force said it successfully launched an Atlas V rocket into space March 13 from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Onboard the space vehicle was a National Reconnaissance Office payload, according to Vandenberg’s release. The mission was the first Atlas V launch from Vandenberg; all previous Atlas V missions have been from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Col. Steve Tanous, commander of Vandenberg’s 30th Space Wing, praised the “hard work and dedication” of the airmen and industry partners involved in the launch.. “I am very proud of the teamwork that led to the successful and historic Atlas V mission,” he said. To make operating Atlas Vs from Vandenberg possible, the Air Force significantly modified the base’s Space Launch Complex-3, which used to accommodate Atlas II boosters.
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
