Missileers of the 90th Missile Wing at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo., last week electronically simulated the launch of a Minuteman III ICBM, assuring launch facility readiness. Unlike Minuteman launches from the test facility at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman (SELM) tests an operational launch facility’s response to launch control commands. “SELMs provide the most complete test of ICBMs from day-to-day operation to issuance of first stage ignition signal,” said Lt. Col. Anita Feugate Opperman, 320th Missile Squadron commander. Giant Pace 11-1M, held Aug. 16-18, evaluated launch sequences initiated by both by a ground-based control center and an airborne launch control center. Air Force Global Strike Command conducts SELMs twice a year. Warren also test-opened LF Hotel-08’s silo-door, blasting back the several-ton cover, an event conducted only once every two years. (Warren report by SSgt. Mike Tryon)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
