MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Airmen assigned to the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base conducted a Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman (SELM) test in partnership with the 377th Test and Evaluation Group (377 TEG) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on June 3, demonstrating the wing’s operational proficiency, mission readiness and ability to execute the nation’s land-based nuclear deterrent mission under realistic conditions.

The SELM test placed primary focus on the performance and coordination of 91 Missile Wing airmen, including launch control center personnel and supporting maintenance and communications teams. Working through full mission procedures without an actual missile launch, airmen executed launch sequences, command and control protocol, and communication processes designed to mirror the operational environment.

Throughout the evaluation, missileers, maintainers and Defenders demonstrated their ability to rapidly respond to simulated launch directives, maintain secure and reliable communications and ensure strict adherence to operational procedures. The exercise also provided a detailed assessment of launch control center functionality, missile alert facility operations and the integration of critical support systems that enable the wing’s continuous deterrence mission.

Personnel from the 377 TEG worked alongside airmen from the Minot missile wing to plan, execute and assess the test. The group provides independent operational testing and evaluation support for the Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) enterprise, helping ensure systems perform as intended under realistic conditions.

Submitted Photo Airmen assigned to the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron verify Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman (SELM) procedures along with airmen assigned to the 377th Test and Evaluation Group and 576th Flight Test Squadron at Minot Air Force Base June 3. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies.

“SELM testing is a critical assessment of our readiness and precision within the nuclear enterprise. It ensures that every link in the launch chain, from operators to command and control, performs exactly as designed under realistic conditions,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91 Missile Wing commander. “By rigorously executing SELM evaluations, we sustain a credible, safe and effective nuclear force that underpins national security and reinforces deterrence every day.”

SELM tests are conducted periodically across the ICBM enterprise to verify the readiness and reliability of personnel and systems responsible for the nation’s strategic deterrence mission. The evaluations provide valuable data that supports continuous improvement and helps maintain the highest standards of operational excellence. For the 91 Missile Wing, the exercise serves as a critical opportunity to demonstrate sustained proficiency, reinforce disciplined execution of procedures and strengthen the reliability of its alert force.

The collaboration with the 377 TEG further highlighted the missile wing’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence in support of national security objectives.

“The partnership between the 91 MW and the 377 TEG reflects the highest standards of integration and mission focus across the nuclear enterprise,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Anastasia Peterson, 91st Missile Wing Operations Support Squadron assistant director of operations. “The teamwork demonstrated throughout this test shows how operational expertise and test and evaluation come together to strengthen readiness.”

Submitted Photo U.S. Air Force Col. Jimmy Schlabach, 91st Missile Wing commander, commands Simulated Electronic Launch Minuteman (SELM) execution team members during ongoing SELM testing at Minot Air Force Base June 3, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Wesley Davies.