625th Strategic Operations Squadron

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625th Strategic Operations Squadron
200px
625th Strategic Operations Squadron emblem
Active 1996-Present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
Type Strategic Operations
Role Nuclear Targeting, Strategic Automated Command and Control, Airborne Launch Control Systems, Missile Analysis
Part of 20 AF/Global Strike Command
Garrison/HQ Offutt AFB, Nebraska
Motto SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM - "If you wish peace, prepare for war"
Decorations Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg AFOUA
Commanders
Current
commander
Lt Col J. Grayson Higby

The mission of the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (625 STOS) is to find, analyze, and evaluate strategic nuclear targets for U.S. nuclear forces inside OPLAN 8044, formerly known as the SIOP.[1]

Mission

Three mission areas are encompassed by subordinate flights:

  • Strategic Automated Command & Control System flight - distributing emergency action messages to the warfighter (Tell ICBM combat crews when to "execute")
  • Weapons & Tactics Flight - Targeting for ICBMs (Tell the missiles where to hit)
  • Airborne Launch Control System Flight - provide training and crewmembers for two positions on board E-6B Mercury Airborne Launch Control System (Launch the missiles, if combat crews are unable)

History

The 625 STOS was previously designated 625th Missile Operations Flight (625 MOF).[2]

625 MOF's mission was to verify missile targeting, trains airborne launch control system crews and ensures strategic communications networks between the launch control centers and national leadership are operating.[3]

The squadron transferred to the Air Force Global Strike Command upon the unit's activation.[4]

Emblem significance

Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The mission element symbolizes three mission areas and flights (Airborne Launch Control System flight, Strategic Automated Command and Control Systems Flight). The world globe represents the unit's global spanning missions. The stars represent the unit's commitment to the ever vigilant forces at three missile wings located at Malmstrom AFB, Minot AFB, and FE Warren AFB.[5]

Previous designations

  • 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (14 June 2007–Present)[6]
  • 625th Missile Operations Flight (1 April 1996 – 14 June 2007)

Bases stationed

Aircraft & Missiles Operated

Decorations

References

  1. FloridaDaily.com:"COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 25,1996 PSA#1728"
  2. MercentaryMissileer.com: "625th Strategic Operations Squadron Activated at Offutt AFB"
  3. Air Force Space Command Almanac 2004-2005
  4. Air Force Global Strike Command officials work toward seamless transition with mission transfer
  5. 625 STOS Blazon and Significance from Air Force Historical Research Agency
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 625 STOS Lineage and Honors from Air Force Historical Research Agency
  7. World Airpower Journal. (1992). US Air Force Air Power Directory. Aerospace Publishing: London, UK. ISBN 1-880588-01-3
  8. AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997