Vandenberg AFB News Release
2006 November 4
VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. Vandenberg AFB successfully launched a Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle at 5:53 a.m. today. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-6 carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite.
Col. Terry Djuric, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the spacelift commander, or final "go for launch" authority, for this mission. Lt. Col. David Goldstein, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander, was the Air Force launch director.
"I'm extremely proud of the precision with which the base and the Vandenberg Launch Team planned and executed this Delta IV mission," Colonel Djuric said. "This west coast launch helped kick off the Air Forces year-long 60th anniversary celebration."
"With today's launch, Vandenberg has provided 100 percent assured access to space, successfully launching 17 DMSP satellites since the 1st DMSP satellite was launched in 1976."
The 30th Space Wing is the Air Force Space Command organization responsible for Department of Defense space and missile launch activities on the West Coast of the United States.
The 4th SLS oversees Vandenbergs evolved expendable launch vehicle programs including the Delta IV. The squadron is responsible for launch base and launch vehicle mission assurance.
"From an operational perspective, this was another perfectly executed mission by the entire team," Colonel Goldstein said. "Vandenberg worked extremely well with our launch partners to bring everything together for that one perfect shot."
For the complete Air Force story and more information about Vandenberg's launch units and missions, visit www.vandenberg.af.mil.
Copyright © 2006, Brian Webb. All rights reserved.