Air Force Systems Command successfully conducts its first “cold launch” from an underground silo, a modified Minuteman launch facility at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The cold-launch technique ejects the missile from the silo by gas pressure, and the propellant ignites after it becomes airborne. This technique causes less damage to the silo and reduces the time needed for another launch.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
