4th Space Control Squadron (United States)
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| 4th Space Control Squadron | |
|---|---|
 4th Space Control Squadron emblem |
|
| Active | 1986-Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Space Control |
| Role | Offensive Counterspace[1] |
| Part of | 21st Space Wing/AFSPC |
| Garrison/HQ | Holloman AFB, New Mexico[2] |
| Nickname | "Space Pirates"[3] |
| Engagements | Operation Iraqi Freedom[4] [5] [6] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lt Col Daniel A. Dant[7] |
The United States Air Force's 4th Space Control Squadron (4 SPCS) is an offensive counterspace unit[8] located at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.[9]
Contents |
[edit] Mission
The 4th SPCS is an Air Force Space Command unit responsible for delivering defensive and offensive counterspace and space situational awareness, as appropriate, to rapidly achieve flexible and versatile effects in support of global and theater campaigns.[10]
The 4 SPCS provides combat space superiority effects to the Commander, Joint Space Operations, and theater Combatant Commanders through operation of the Counter Communications System.
[edit] History[11]
The unit initially activated in September 1986 as Det. 2, 6960th Electronic Security Wing and provided training for Electronic Security Command. It was reassigned to Headquarters, Continental Electronic Security Division in October 1986 and was reassigned again, this time to Headquarters, Space Electronic Security Division in May 1988. In May 1989, it was reorganized under the 694th Electronic Security Wing.
The Low Altitude Space Surveillance system (LASS) was activated by Air Force Space Command in October 1990. The unit was named the 4th Surveillance Squadron. One year later, it was redesignated as the 4th Space Surveillance Squadron. During this time, the unit continued to perform a research and development mission and a mission to train newly assigned LASS operators until April 1993. The 4th SPSS also performed mobile space surveillance communications and space data relay.[12]
The squadron was assigned to the 73rd Space Group and in April 1995 merged with the 21st Space Wing. In April 1996, the unit moved operations from its home at Lackland AFB, Texas, to Holloman AFB, New Mexico, its present location. The unit was redesignated as the 4th Space Control Squadron in February 2003. The 4th SPCS transitioned to a counterspace mission in July 2005, and activated its first Counter Communications System on April 11, 2006.
[edit] Future
The 4th SPCS is slated to be attached to the Air Force Cyberspace Command (AFCYBER) with it reaches initial operating capability in October 2008.[13] The unit will be assigned to the 450th Electronic Warfare Wing. [14]
[edit] Previous designations
- 4th Space Control Squadron (2003-Present)
- 4th Space Surveillance Squadron (1991-2003)
- 4th Surveillance Squadron (1990-1991)
- Det 2, 694th Electronic Security Wing (1989-1990)
- Det 2, 6960th Electronic Security Wing (1986-1989)
[edit] Assignments
- 21st Space Wing (1995-Present)[15]
- 73d Space Group (1993-1995)
- 694th Electronic Security Wing (1989-1993)
- 6960th Electronic Security Wing (1986-1989)
[edit] Locations
- Holloman AFB, New Mexico (1996-Present)[16] [17]
- Lackland AFB, Texas (1986-1996)[18]
[edit] Systems Operated
- Counter Communications System (2006-Present)[19]
- Low Altitude Space Surveillance System (1986-2006)[20]
[edit] References
- ^ Holloman AFB: "Commentary: Commanding with a vision key to good leadership"
- ^ Peterson AFB: 21st Space Wing Units
- ^ 21st Space Wing Public Affairs: "Space Observer Commander's Corner, 18 Oct 2007"
- ^ 379th AEW Public Affairs: "Silent Sentry contributes to ops throughout the AOR"
- ^ 21st Space Wing Public Affairs: "4th SPCS honored during welcome home parade"
- ^ Temple University Center For The Study Of Force And Diplomacy: Major Grant Weller Bio
- ^ Ibid
- ^ Holloman AFB: "Commentary: Commanding with a vision key to good leadership"
- ^ Peterson AFB: 21st Space Wing Units
- ^ Peterson AFB: 4th Space Control Squadron Factsheet
- ^ Ibid
- ^ Globalsecurity.org: 21st Space Wing
- ^ Headquarters United States Air Force, Program Action Directive 07-08, Change 1 Implementation Of The Secretary Of The Air Force Direction To Establish Air Force Cyberspace Command (AFCYBER)
- ^ AFCYBER Public Affairs: "Officials detail scope, units of AFCYBER command"
- ^ Air Force Space Command Public Affairs: Space Almanac 2007
- ^ Department of Defense News Release No. 365-95 (June 30, 1995)
- ^ El Paso Regional Economic Development Corporation
- ^ Air University: 21st Space Wing Overview
- ^ Peterson AFB: 4th Space Control Squadron Factsheet
- ^ Air University: 21st Space Wing Overview
[edit] External links
- 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs: Holloman AFB Homepage
- USAF Engineers.com: 4th Space Control Squadron
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