The US tested the Minuteman-III nuclear missile

• The United States conducted a test of the nuclear-capable LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)—often referred to as the "doomsday missile"—off the coast of California.

• The missile was launched on March 3 by the Air Force Global Strike Command from Vandenberg Space Force Base, near Santa Barbara.

• Officials described the test as a routine launch, scheduled years in advance, intended to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the United States' nuclear deterrence system.

• During the test, the missile—designated GT-254—carried two test re-entry vehicles and traversed the Pacific Ocean.

• This launch was conducted to assess the performance of the missile's individual components and to bolster the readiness of the land-based nuclear deterrent.