The 45th Space Wing successfully launched the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite onboard an Atlas V launch vehicle here today from launch pad 41 at 7:07 a.m.
“This is an historic launch of an important asset to our nation’s military and our allies,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton. “The AEHF satellite will provide secure, protected communications capability across the spectrum of mission areas, including land, sea and air warfare. Its benefits will be felt in special operations, strategic nuclear deterrence, strategic defense, theater missile defense, and space operations and intelligence. The 45th Space Wing and the Space & Missile Systems Center deserve praise for their great work, and I also applaud the teamwork between the Air Force and its partners involved in making this mission a success.”
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