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)
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”