U.S. Air Force halts Minuteman III communications testers after PCB contamination confirmed and potential residue found in six of eight units
Air Force Global Strike Command has suspended the use of AN/PRM-10 test oscillator sets after an inventory review found potential residue on six of eight systems.
By Hannah Miller (Defence Industry Europe)
Air Force Global Strike Command has suspended the use of AN/PRM-10 test oscillator sets after an inventory review found potential residue on six of eight systems. The legacy equipment is used to test communications supporting the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile force.
The action follows an August incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, where an airman discovered residue on part of an AN/PRM-10 kit during a routine inspection and was exposed to the material. The airman received medical attention and returned to duty without adverse effects.
Laboratory testing confirmed that the residue from that unit contained polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. The chemicals were commonly used in electrical devices when the test equipment was developed for the Minuteman III system.
Twentieth Air Force responded by ordering a one-time inspection of every AN/PRM-10 kit across Air Force Global Strike Command. The review was completed within three days and identified potential residue on five additional systems, with samples now awaiting testing.
Officials initially introduced updated safety warnings, handling precautions and mandatory personal protective equipment for locations still using the testers. After the wider inspection, Twentieth Air Force ordered their immediate withdrawal and began moving units to modern, PCB-free replacements.
“Twentieth Air Force takes the responsibility to protect our Airmen very seriously,” said Maj. Gen. Colin Connor, commander of Twentieth Air Force. “As our Airmen are our greatest asset, their safety and health are my top priority.”
Air Force Global Strike Command and Twentieth Air Force are working with the Minuteman III systems program office to dispose of the withdrawn equipment. They are also reviewing other test systems to determine whether they may contain PCBs.
The command said the suspension had caused no operational disruption. U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile forces remain safe, secure and effective in protecting the homeland, it added.
The review is the latest safety measure connected to the Missile Community Cancer Study launched by the Air Force in 2023. “We remain vigilant for issues like these and will continue to aggressively and immediately take the appropriate actions,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.
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