Missile component damage reported at Minot AFB 12/6/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- A small, replaceable component of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was damaged Nov. 17 while maintenance technicians at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., conducted routine maintenance. Airmen reported the damage immediately to proper authorities in accordance with standard procedures. The component was not installed on a missile at the time of the incident. No personnel were injured, and emergency response personnel determined there was no threat to public health or safety, officials said. The event had very minimal impact on daily operations and no impact to Air Force Global Strike Command readiness or ability to defend the nation. The incident warranted a report to the chain of command due to the Air Force's continued exacting focus, attention to detail, discipline and adherence to the highest standards for all activities surrounding nuclear-capable weapons systems, the officials said. A safety investigation team is currently performing a routine investigation of the incident.