On September 24, 2006 the reliable Boeing Delta II launch vehicle, known as the workhorse of the launch industry in its payload class, successfully delivered to orbit a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force. Following a nominal 68-minute flight, the rocket deployed the satellite to a transfer orbit. The GPS network supports U.S. military operations conducted from aircraft, ships, land vehicles and by ground personnel. Additional use includes mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations.