Missile to Fly Through Cibola Skies

  • A missile roars skyward during a test launch at Fort Wingate in March 2020. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command launched two Black Dagger targets in support of missile defense, overcoming harsh conditions to complete their mission. Courtesy Photo
    A missile roars skyward during a test launch at Fort Wingate in March 2020. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command launched two Black Dagger targets in support of missile defense, overcoming harsh conditions to complete their mission. Courtesy Photo
  • Missile to Fly Through Cibola Skies
    Missile to Fly Through Cibola Skies

    Residents of Cibola County will soon be able to see a missile flying overhead.

    Weather permitting, the United States Missile Defense Agency and US Army will be conducting a missile test from Fort Wingate to White Sands Missile Range at some time in the next week and a half.

    The U.S. Forest Service has issued a temporary area closure for portions of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, McKinley County, New Mexico, in response to a scheduled missile launch near Fort Wingate Army Depot. The closure, outlined in closure Order 03-03-02-24-12, will be in effect from September 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM through September 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM. If necessary, a second closure period will occur from September 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM through September 28, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

    The U.S. Army’s planned missile launch, which includes pre-launch periods, requires the closure to ensure public health and safety. The missile will be launched from Fort Wingate, with the primary target at White Sands Missile Range.

    Though Fort Wingate’s primary mission ended in 1993, the Missile Defense Agency continues to use approximately 6,465 acres of land for target rocket launches to White Sands Missile Range. Despite repeated attempts, federal agencies involved with the launch could not be reached for further comment.

    This kind of test is not uncommon and is safe, since 2020 and likely before, the US Army has been testing launching Black Dagger Short Range Ballistic Missiles from Fort Wingate to White Sands. The Army nor other federal agencies elaborated on when exactly the launch will occur or what time of missile will be used.

    Closure Area Details

    The closure affects National Forest System (NFS) lands within Township 14N., Range 16W., Sections 1-24 and 27-35; Township 13N., Range 16W., Sections 2-6; and other surrounding areas. The closure begins at the Forest Service gate on NFS Road 547 in Six Mile Canyon and follows various section lines and boundaries as specified in the order, impacting lands used by both the public and private stakeholders.

    Under the authority of 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), certain individuals are exempt from the closure order: 1. Those with a Forest Service Permit (FS7700-48) specifically exempting them from this order.

    2. Federal, state, or local officers, as well as members of organized rescue or firefighting teams, performing their official duties.

    Violating the closure order is a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, as well as the possibility of imprisonment for up to six months.

    The temporary closure aims to safeguard both visitors and military personnel during the launch and related activities. Members of the public are urged to comply with the closure to avoid accidents or interference with the launch.

    For more information on the area closure, the public can contact the Mount Taylor Ranger District at (505) 287-8833.

    The official order, including a map of the closure area, can be found on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands website under Alerts & Notices.