The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command announced that it will launched an unarmed operational test Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to a pre-determined target about 200 miles southwest of Guam on Friday. It just happens that Valiant Shield 2010 is being held in the same vicinity at the same time.
Taking part in the exercise is the George Washington CSG including USS McCampbell, USS Chung-Hoon, and guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh and USS Cowpens. USS Shiloh is certified BMD-capable and USS Cowpens should be refitted with TBMD engagement capability by now.
The exercise calls for the ships to steam east from Palau towards Guam. The exercise started on Sunday and ends ten days later at Guam.
Is the Minuteman III launch a test for the ships to defend themselves from a simulated anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) attack?