AFGSC base conducts SELM test

Published April 8, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Months of planning came to a head during the Giant Pace 15-1M Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman test near Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, April 7. The test was the second part of a complete weapon's system evaluation wherein an unarmed Minuteman III missile was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California, splashing down in a pre-established test area in the Pacific Ocean near the island of Guam.

As a critical component to the intercontinental ballistic missile weapon's system, SELM testing allows missile wings throughout Air Force Global Strike Command to evaluate the reliability of their systems.

"A great deal of teamwork, professionalism and expertise in each team member's area is critical to a successful test," said Lt. Col. Scott Fleming, 490th Missile Squadron assistant director of operations.

"There are a lot of moving parts to bring this test together," he continued.

Airmen from Malmstrom partnered with test personnel from the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg to coordinate all the planning, training, launch facility and launch control center preparations, and a myriad of logistical details, he added.

Taking place every other year, these tests are conducted between the three ICBM wings within AFGSC and evaluate all of the weapon system's functions, stopping right before first-stage ignition.

Coupled with Minuteman missile launches from Vandenberg, the data gathered from these tests provides leaders throughout the command with invaluable information.

"This displays to our allies and potential adversaries that the Minuteman system is still viable and provides awesome deterrence for the nation every day," said Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile Wing commander.

As a safety precaution, the two LCCs and six LFs involved in Malmstrom's SELM were detached from the rest of the squadron.

"Facilities tested during the SELM are electrically isolated from the operational squadron with a special configuration that accounts for safely testing in the operational missile field," said Fleming.

For those who made the three and a half hour trip to launch facility K-09, the propelling of a 100-ton launcher closure door into a sand berm was the pinnacle of the event.

Airmen shouting, "that was awesome," could be heard clear across the LF by those in attendance as the sliding of 100 tons of concrete and steel into a twelve-foot-high berm signaled the end of the test.

"SELM is greatly important to our nation," said Fleming. "Success . . . directly falls on the backs of our Airmen and the hard work they put into this effort."

Through this effort, Airmen throughout the command continue to achieve success in the nuclear mission every day.