2d Space Operations Squadron

2d Space Operations Squadron

Squadron space systems operator during Global Positioning System operations
Active 1962–1967; 1985–present
Country  United States
Branch  United States Air Force
Role Global Positioning System Control
Part of Air Force Space Command
Garrison/HQ Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado
Motto(s) Pathways for Peace
Engagements Global War on Terrorism
Decorations Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Commanders
Current
commander		 Lt Col Peter "Charlie" Norsky
Insignia
2d Space Operations Squadron emblem (approved 8 July 1995)[1][note 1]

The 2d Space Operations Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Its mission is to manage the Navstar Global Positioning System satellite constellation for global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection.

The squadron is augmented by reserve personnel from the 19th Space Operations Squadron, part of the 310th Space Wing.

Mission

The squadron performs the command and control mission for the Global Positioning System satellite constellation. GPS is the world's premiere space-based position, velocity and timing system, capable of providing precision navigation and timing capability simultaneously to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. Continuous GPS availability and unprecedented signal accuracy has resulted in widespread integration of the technology; numerous military, commercial and international users have embraced GPS.

History

The squadron was originally constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron and activated on 16 January 1962 under North American Air Defense Command. It was then organized on 1 February 1962 at Ent Air Force Base under the 9th Aerospace Defense Division, under which it operated SPACETRACK, the USAF globe-spanning space surveillance network, from 1962 through 1967. The squadron was inactivated on 1 January 1967.

It was redesignated the 2d Satellite Control Squadron as the first operational squadron of the 2d Space Wing. It was activated at Falcon Air Force Station on 1 October 1985.

The squadron has controlled the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellite constellation and managed the Nuclear Detonation System in support of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since 1987.

On 30 January 1992, as part of an Air Force reorganization, 2 SCS was redesignated the 2d Space Operations Squadron.

On June 18, 2004, a 24/7 user focal point, the GPSOC, was established.

In late 2005, several National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency monitor stations were integrated into the network to improve navigation accuracy and signal monitoring.

The unit had one geographically separated unit, Detachment 1, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. It was responsible for maintenance of a GPS Ground Antenna, Monitor Station, and various operational test assets. It is now discontinued, though contractors remained to perform the mission.[2][3]

Lineage

Organized on 1 February 1962
Discontinued and inactivated on 1 January 1967
Activated on 1 October 1985
Redesignated 2d Space Operations Squadron on 30 Jan 1992[1]

Assignments

Stations

Commanders

Squadron change of command June 24, 2016.

Decorations

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

See also

References

Notes
  1. ↑ On a Blue disc, a Light Blue globe grid lined Yellow issuing from base and charged with a Scarlet lighting flash bendwise; in chief a White eight point pole star above and (Yellow pole stars) on a White orbit ring arcing over the globe; a Yellow pole star all within a narrow Yellow border. "2d Space Operations Squadron". The Institute of Heraldry. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
Citations
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Robertson, Patsy (December 1, 2008). "Factsheet 2 Space Operations Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  2. ↑ Buchanan, Maj John (May 8, 2008). "Deactivation ends two decades of service on Cape Canaveral". 45th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  3. ↑ Staff writer, no byline (May 7, 2008). "2nd SOPS inactivates Det. 1". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  4. 1 2 Martinez, SSG Daniel (August 5, 2008). "New 2nd SOPS commander returns to Schriever". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  5. ↑ The Newsletter of the MIT Security Studies Program: "SSP Welcomes New Military Fellows", Oct 2004

Bibliography

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

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