Giant Pace tests ICBM launch capability

Giant Pace tests ICBM launch capability

Released: Mar 23, 1998

by Airman 1st Class Nate Hier
90th Space Wing Public Affairs

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFNS) -- The Air Force tested the capability of launch control centers from the 400th Missile Squadron and the Airborne Launch Control Center aircraft from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., here March 20. This allowed both to execute their warfighting mission with Giant Pace 98-1P, a Simulated Electronic Launch-Peacekeeper, or SELP.

The purpose of a SELP is to exercise the ground and airborne command and control elements, as well as exercise the Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile up to initiation of the launch eject gas generator. The data garnered by this test is vital for strategic integrated operations plan planners and for aging and surveillance purposes. Besides providing data to U.S. Strategic Command and the ICBM system program office at Hill AFB, Utah, SELP demonstrates the 90th Space Wing can execute its warfighting mission.

"The months of preparation and training by maintenance and operations personnel really showed and allowed us to overcome all obstacles to a successful test," said Maj. John Anderson, Giant Pace test manager.

Twenty base agencies from the 90th operations and logistics groups participated in Giant Pace. Planning phases began in November and have been a full-time endeavor since the Alert Readiness Test Feb. 24.

Overall program management for the simulated electronic launch program is administered by the Air Force Space Command director of operations, and day-to-day management is handled by the Space Warfare Center.

The 576th Flight Test Squadron develops the test plan and test execution documents, and provides an on-sight test conductor for 30 days to facilitate test execution.

"The men and women of the 90th Space Wing spend thousands of hours maintaining and operating the Peacekeeper ICBM Weapon System, and SELP gives us something tangible for their hard work," said Anderson. "Realistic training is a vital part of the Air Force's readiness and is perhaps our greatest challenge. The Air Force is committed to providing its people with the best equipment, facilities and leadership to meet that challenge.

"Just as the upcoming inspection will demonstrate we have the best people, SELP evaluates our equipment to ensure we maintain the most powerful warfighting element in Air Force Space Command," said Anderson.

The primary operations crews participating in the test were Capt. Michael Daniel, Capt. Thomas Focareto, 1st Lt. William Good and 2nd Lt. Zigmund Jackim, all members of the 400th Missile Squadron. (Courtesy of AFSPC News Service)