[NormsRevenge]

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This Atlas V (411) stands
on SLC-3E before its launch from Vandenberg, set for later this week.
It will carry a National Reconnaissance Office payload and
be the first Altas V to launch from the west coast.
(Courtesy photo) http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/photos/

[NormsRevenge]

Vandenberg prepares for first Atlas V launch

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123084798

[El Gato]

A very odd looking Atlas, what happened to the "half stage" side mounted engines that are dropped off after providing the extra thrust needed to clear the launch tower, or silo as the case may be.

I've been to SLC-3, as well as seen SLC-6 and the original Atlas sites on main base. (also some old "coffin" type launchers which are probably long gone. First rocket I saw launched was an Atlas from those original pads, which had been operational pads, carrying nuclear warheads, way back when Khrushchev visited Disneyland, and his train took him close enough to see 'em standing there.