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Based on NMFS’s receipt of an application from the U.S. Space Force, Vandenberg Space Force Base for incidental take regulations and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act requesting regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to rocket and missile launches and related operations. When proposed, the requested regulations would set forth the permissible methods of taking; means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on the affected species or stocks and their habitats; and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking. Letters of Authorization issued under the regulations would authorize the take of marine mammals incidental to the specified activities for a 5-year period.