4th Space Control Squadron
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 4th Space Control Squadron (4 SPCS) is an offensive space control unit located at Holloman AFB, New Mexico
.
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.
The 4 SPCS provides combat space superiority effects to the Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space
, and theater Combatant Commanders through operation of the Counter Communications System.
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.
The squadron was assigned to the 73d Space Surveillance 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 11 April 2006.
File:Holloman mobile communication antennae.PNG|Mobile communication antennae at Holloman AFB
File:4th Space Control Squadron.png|4th Space Surveillance Squadron Logo (Desert)
File:Counter Communications System.PNG|Counter Communications System
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 4th Space Control Squadron (4 SPCS) is an offensive space control unit located at Holloman AFB, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
.
Mission
The 4th SPCS is an Air Force Space CommandAir Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
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.
The 4 SPCS provides combat space superiority effects to the Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space
Joint Functional Component Command for Space
The Joint Functional Component Command for Space is a component of US Strategic Command. The Command was established on 19 July 2006, and activated on 12 September 2006, under the command of General William L. Shelton...
, and theater Combatant Commanders through operation of the Counter Communications System.
History
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
Air Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
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.
The squadron was assigned to the 73d Space Surveillance Group
73d Space Group
The 73d Space Group is an inactive United States Air Force space surveillance organization. Its last assignment was with Fourteenth Air Force, being stationed at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado. It was inactivated on 26 April 1995....
and in April 1995 merged with the 21st Space Wing
21st Space Wing
The 21st Space Wing is a unit of the Air Force Space Command based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The unit is tasked with the operation of early missile warning and space object detection equipment around the world in support of NORAD and USSTRATCOM through a network of command and control...
. In April 1996, the unit moved operations from its home at Lackland AFB, Texas, to Holloman AFB, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, 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 11 April 2006.
Emblem
Azure (Dark Blue) a demi-globe issuant from base Celeste, gridlined Azure below an eagle volant proper above in dexter base three mullet of four in bend sinister Or, all within a diminished border of the third. Approved on 5 June 1995.Previous designations
- 4th Space Control Squadron (2003–Present)
- 4th Space Surveillance Squadron (May 1992–2003)
- 4th Surveillance Squadron (26 Sep 1990–15 May 1992)
- Det 2, 694th Electronic Security Wing694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance GroupThe United States Air Force's 694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group is an intelligence unit located at Osan AB, Korea.-Previous designations:*694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group...
(1989–1990) - Det 2, 6960th Electronic Security Wing (1986–1989)
Assignments
- 21st Space Wing21st Space WingThe 21st Space Wing is a unit of the Air Force Space Command based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The unit is tasked with the operation of early missile warning and space object detection equipment around the world in support of NORAD and USSTRATCOM through a network of command and control...
(1995–Present) - 73d Space Group73d Space GroupThe 73d Space Group is an inactive United States Air Force space surveillance organization. Its last assignment was with Fourteenth Air Force, being stationed at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado. It was inactivated on 26 April 1995....
(1 Oct 1990–26 Apr 1995) - 694th Electronic Security Wing (1989–1990)
- 6960th Electronic Security Wing (1986–1989)
Locations
- Holloman AFB, New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
(1996–Present) - Lackland AFB, Texas (1986–1996)
Detachments
- Detachment 1, 4th Space Surveillance Squadron, Osan AB, Republic of Korea (circa 1995?)
- Detachment 3, 4th Space Surveillance Squadron, Republic of Korea
Commanders
- Lt Col E. Caughey (2010-Present)
- Lt Col Carl M. Jones (2008-2010)
- Lt Col Daniel A. Dant (2006-2008)
- Lt Col Fred W. Gaudlip (2004–2006)
- Lt Col James Wolf (circa 2002–2004)
- Lt Col Stephen M. Tanous (2000–2002)
- Lt Col Jonathan Watkins (1998–2000)
- Lt Col Cameron Bowser (1996–1998)
- Lt Col James G. Lee (circa 1996)
Systems Operated
- Counter Communications System (2006–Present)
- Low Altitude Space Surveillance System (1986–2006)
Decorations
- Air Force Meritorious Unit Award
- 2008
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- 1 Jan 2000–31_Aug_2001
- 1 Jan 1999–31 Dec 1999
- 1 Jan 1998–31 Dec 1998
- 1 Oct 1997–30 Sep 1999
- 1 Oct 1995–30 Sep 1997
Photo gallery
File:Holloman mobile communication antennae.PNG|Mobile communication antennae at Holloman AFB
File:4th Space Control Squadron.png|4th Space Surveillance Squadron Logo (Desert)
File:Counter Communications System.PNG|Counter Communications System
See also
- 21st Space Wing21st Space WingThe 21st Space Wing is a unit of the Air Force Space Command based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The unit is tasked with the operation of early missile warning and space object detection equipment around the world in support of NORAD and USSTRATCOM through a network of command and control...
- 76th Space Control Squadron76th Space Control SquadronThe United States Air Force's 76th Space Control Squadron is an offensive counter space unit located at Peterson AFB, Colorado.-Mission:...