What Vandenberg is famous for...

Vandenberg Air Force Base is called 'Space Country' around the Air Force. It is one of the few bases that actually launches its missiles. In 2000, a month before I left the Air Force, I worked security for the 2nd 'Star Wars' test launch and was treated to a beautiful night time launch. The three Greenpeace protesters handcuffed in the back of the truck didn't think so, but to each his own. A missile launch is something that has always awed me. First you see the blinding flash, then you feel the rumble deep inside you, and finally you hear the blast. Most people get bored of them but I always loved watching them. Well, except at 2am when it wakes you up and you start praying it's not "The Big One". (For non-Californians, the Big One is what we call the earthquake that will supposedly make California an island).

So here's a quick clip of our most recent 'pop rocket' to go up, I just wish the Captain in it didn't look like such a doofus! I hope you all get the chance to see something similar - hopefully it won't be at the beginning of World War III. I only hope I can still see a Space Shuttle launch before they are retired

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080813-032.wmv

That is pretty cool!