625th Strategic Operations Squadron
Encyclopedia
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
Single Integrated Operational Plan
The Single Integrated Operational Plan was the United States' general plan for nuclear war from 1961 to 2003. The SIOP gave the President of the United States a range of targeting options, and described launch procedures and target sets against which nuclear weapons would be launched...

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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 ALCS (Launch the missiles, if combat crews are unable)

History

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

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.

The squadron will soon transfer to the new Air Force Global Strike Command.

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 FE Warren AFB, Malmstrom AFB, and Minot AFB.

Previous designations

  • 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (14 Jun 2007–Present)
  • 625th Missile Operations Flight (1 Apr 1996-14 Jun 2007)

Aircraft & Missiles Operated

  • E-6B (2007–Present)
  • LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBMs
    LGM-30 Minuteman
    The LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. nuclear missile, a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile . As of 2010, the version LGM-30G Minuteman-III is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States...


Decorations

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
    • 1 Oct 2001-30 Sep 2003
    • 1 Oct 1999-30 Sep 2001
    • 1 Oct 1995-30 Sep 1997
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