The 2nd Space Warning Squadron is part of the Space Delta 4 at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. It operates the Space-Based Infrared System satellites conducting global monitoring for significant infrared events.
| 2nd Space Warning Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the 2nd Space Warning Squadron | |
| Active | 1992–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Role | Missile Warning |
| Part of | Space Delta 4 |
| Garrison/HQ | Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado |
| Nickname(s) | Squawkin' Dogs[citation needed] |
| Motto(s) |
|
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Scott M. Wright |
The squadron's mission is to operate and maintain the Space-Based Infrared System. Additionally, it reports ballistic missile and space launches, nuclear detonations, and infrared data of operational value to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, combatant commanders, intelligence agencies, and global warfighters.[1]
Operations
editOn 7 January 2020 2nd Space Warning Squadron detected the launches of more than a dozen missiles against US and coalition partners.[2] This provided crucial warning to the warfighters, which helped them to take cover.[2]
History
editThe squadron has operated ground stations set up to control the Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space-Based Infrared System, space-based surveillance systems configured to detect and report ballistic missile launches, space launches, and nuclear detonations since 1992.
Lineage
edit- Constituted as the 2d Space Communications Squadron on 1 May 1992
- Activated on 15 May 1992
- Redesignated 2d Space Warning Squadron on 1 May 1993[3]
Assignments
edit- 21st Operations Group, 15 May 1992
- 21st Space Wing, 21 July 1995[3]
- 460th Operations Group, unknown – present[1]
Stations
edit- Buckley Air National Guard Base (now Buckley Space Force Base), Colorado, 15 May 1992 – present[3]
Systems Operated
edit- Space-Based Infrared System satellites (200x-present)[1]
- Defense Support Program satellites (1992–present)[3]
List of commanders
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c No byline. "Buckley AFB Factsheets 460th Operations Group". 460th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on February 12, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
- ^ a b Strout, Nathan (September 15, 2020). "US Space Force confirms Space Based Infrared System detected missile attack in January". Defense News.
- ^ a b c d Robertson, Patsy (September 24, 2008). "Factsheet 31 Fighter Wing (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 2013-12-31. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
- ^ "2nd Space Warning Squadron changes command". www.buckley.spaceforce.mil.
- ^ "2nd Space Warning Squadron changes command". www.buckley.spaceforce.mil.
- ^ a b "Change of Command". Facebook.
Bibliography
edit
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency