MISSILE DEFENSE EXERCISE

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- A Missile Defense Agency (MDA) interceptor missile is successfully launched on Dec. 5, at 12:21 p.m. from North Vandenberg. The launch was part of an exercise and flight test involving the intercept of an intercontinental ballistic missile by a ground-based interceptor missile designed to protect the United States against a limited long-range ballistic missile attack. (U.S Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Lee)

Vandenberg at a glance

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- Two T-38 jets from Beale Air Force Base refuel at Vandenberg's flight line. The two jets brought visitors to Vandenberg for official business. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Shaw)

Vandenberg firefighters conduct controlled burn

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Firefighters from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron perform a controlled burn to help enlarge the habitat for an endangered species of Western Snowy Plovers here Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Satran)

Vandenberg firefighters controlled burn

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Firefighters from 30th Civil EngineeR Squadron watch the direction of the fire during a controlled burn to help enlarge the habitat for an endangered species of Western Snowy Plovers here Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Satran)

Vandenberg firefighters conduct controlled burn

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Firefighters from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron watch the direction of a controlled burn to help enlarge the habitat for an endangered species of Western Snowy Plovers here Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Satran)

Vandenberg firefighters conduct controlled burn

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Firefighters from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron watch for wind direction during a controlled burn to help enlarge the habitat for an endangered species of Western Snowy Plovers here Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Andrew Satran)