The 741st Missile Squadron at Minot AFB, N.D., recently conducted a successful simulation of six Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches, according to an Oct. 17 press release. Air Force Global Strike Command usually performs a Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman (SELM) twice a year. Maintainers spend more than 1,500 man hours to prepare, execute, and follow up on maintenance actions required to conduct the exercise. “The basic objective of SELM is to assess reliability of the Minuteman III weapon system, to include the Airborne Launch Control System in its deployed environment,” said Lt. Col. Mike Harrison, 741st MS director of operations and SELM test support manager, according to the release. The Air Force also performs live tests of its ICBM fleet, launching missiles from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The most recent live test was conducted in February. Minot Spokeswoman 2nd Lt. Kylee Ashton said the SELM took place Sept. 27-29.
Former Air Force Secretary James G. Roche Dies at 86
Aug. 21, 2026
James G. Roche, the 20th Secretary of the Air Force from 2001-2005, died Aug. 4. He was 86. As Secretary, Roche led the Air Force through the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent preparations and campaigns in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.