2d Space Operations Squadron

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2d Space Operations Squadron
200px
2d Space Operations Squadron emblem
Active 1992-Present[1]
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Type Space Operations
Role GPS C2
Part of AFSPC/50th Space Wing
Garrison/HQ Schriever AFB, Colorado[1]
Motto PATHWAYS FOR PEACE
Decorations Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg AFOUA
Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg GWOT-S
Commanders
Current
commander		 Lt Col Todd Benson

The 2d Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) 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.

2 SOPS 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

2 SOPS was originally constituted as the 2d Surveillance Squadron (Sensor) and activated on 16 January 1962 under North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) at Ent Air Force Base. It was then organized on 1 February 1962 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 discontinued and inactivated on 1 January 1967.

It was redesignated the 2d Satellite Control Squadron on 16 July 1985 at Falcon Air Force Station as the first operational squadron of the 2d Space Wing. Activated on 1 October 1985.

2 SOPS 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.

2 SOPS had one geographically separated unit (GSU), 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]

Emblem description

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.

Commanders

  • Lt Col Todd Benson (July 2014 - Current)
  • Lt Col Thomas Ste. Marie (June 2012 – July 2014)
  • Lt Col Jennifer Grant (August 2010 - June 2012)
  • Lt Col DeAnna M. Burt (August 2008 – August 2010)[4]
  • Lt Col Kurt W. Kuntzleman (July 2006 - August 2008)[4]
  • Lt Col Stephen T. Hamilton (July 2004 - July 2006)
  • Lt Col Scott A. Henderson (July 2002 - July 2004)[5]
  • Lt Col Daniel P. Jordan (June 2000 - July 2002)
  • Lt Col James K. McLaughlin (July 1998 - June 2000)
  • Lt Col Joseph P. Squatrito (October 1996 - July 1998)
  • Lt Col Roger C. Hunter (March 1995 - October 1996)
  • Maj Thomas A. Shircliff (January 1995 - March 1995)
  • Lt Col Frank M. DeArmond (June 1994 - January 1995)
  • Lt Col Harrison C. Freer (June 1992 - June 1994)
  • Lt Col William L. Shelton (August 1990 - June 1992)
  • Lt Col Michael E. Shaw (April 1989 - August 1990)
  • Lt Col Barry R. Springer (April 1988 - April 1989)
  • Lt Col Steven C. Stadler (October 1985 - April 1988)

[6]

Decorations

Photo gallery

  • 2 SOPS Det 1 2007-04.jpg

    Detachment 1 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (now inactive)

  • Det 1, 2 SOPS Deactivation ceremony

  • Lt Col DeAnna Burt.jpg

    Lt Col DeAnna Burt, 2008-2010 2 SOPS Commander

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Schriever AFB Public Affairs: 2d Space Operations Squadron Factsheet
  2. ↑ 45th Space Wing Public Affairs: "Deactivation ends two decades of service on Cape Canaveral"
  3. ↑ 50th Space Wing Public Affairs: "2nd SOPS inactivates Det. 1"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 50th Space Wing Public Affairs: "New 2nd SOPS commander returns to Schriever"
  5. ↑ The Newsletter of the MIT Security Studies Program: "SSP Welcomes New Military Fellows", Oct 2004
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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