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7th Space Operations Squadron [7th SOPS]

The 7th Space Operations Squadron, a component of the 310 Space Group, is located at Schriever Air Force Base, CO. The 7th SOPS was activated March 18, 1993, at Falcon (later, Schriever) AFB, and was the first Reserve unit to augment Air Force Space Command.

The mission of the 7th Space Operations Squadron is to augment space operation squadrons of the 50th Space Wing. These activities include satellite emergencies, launch and early orbit, day-to-day routine operations and satellite disposal for the Global Positioning System and Defense Support Program satellites.

As of late 1997. the personnel of the 7th SOPS had been tasked with augmenting the Air Force's 50th Space Wing space operations in such areas as launch support, satellite emergency and satellite disposal for the Global Positioning System and the Defense Support Program.

In addition to augmenting the 50th SW in day-to-day routine GPS and DSP satellite operations, 7th SOPS reservists also provide valuable assistance during the launch and early orbit of new satellites, on-orbit emergencies, and satellite disposal.

During unit training assembly weekends, the 7th assumes the majority of GPS and DSP satellite commanding functions from the 50th SW. The squadron's 30 reservists usually schedule their two weeks of annual training during peak times, like launches.

The initial concept of the 7th SOPS was drafted just after Operation Desert Storm, when a need was identified for a surge capability to handle the increased workload during a contingency operation.

The squadron is a Category "A" Associate Reserve Squadron whose members serve at least two days of active-duty each month, plus two-weeks a year. The unit's monthly active-duty days are spent in training and day-to-day satellite operations. The two week active duty shift is likely to be scheduled during a launch. During a wartime contingency, the squadron will mobilize to augment on a full-time basis.

The 302nd Airlift Wing Consolidated Base Personnel Office at Peterson Air Force Base, CO, maintains the reservists records and provides administrative and personnel related services, while the 50th Space Wing oversees their training and wartime mobilization.

The 7th Space Operatiosn Squadron traces its lineage to the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron which was activated January 28, 1942, at MacDill Field, Tampa, FL. May 15 of that same year, it transferred to Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, CO. The squadron's primary mission was to train men in the art of photo reconnaissance. While there it flew P-38s, F-4s and F-5s. The pilots were commissioned officers and enlisted flight officers. In June 1942, their name was changed to the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron. In October 1943 the squadron moved to Will Rogers Field, OK.

In the 51 year heritage of the 7th, it has performed many roles from training pilots and technicians for photo reconnaissance to the 7th Liaison Squadron providing operations and logistical support for the Inter-American Geodetic Survey in the Panama Canal Zone. The 7th Special Operations Flight was deactivated in 1972 at Hurlburt Field, FL. The squadron was consolidated and redesignated the 27th Special Operations Squadron in 1985 but remained inactive until March 18, 1993, when the 7th Space Operations Squadron was activated.

Approximately 33 Air Force Reserve members are assigned to the 7th Space Operations Squadron.