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7th Space Warning Squadron [7th SWS]

The 7th Space Warning Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, CA, guards the U.S. West Coast against sea-launched ballistic missiles. The unit is a geographically separated unit of the 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, CO.

The 7th SWS is primarily responsible for detecting sea-launched ballistic missiles fired from submarines in the Pacific Ocean, using the PAVE PAWS radar. The Air Force finished construction of the PAVE PAWS site at Beale in October 1979. It attained initial operational capability in August 1980.

The unit then determines how many missiles were launched and their probable destination, and reports that to the North American Aerospace Defense Command's missile warning center, Cheyenne Mountain AS; U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB; and national command authorities.

This unit helps form a two-layered, worldwide network of missile warning systems. The system also detects intercontinental ballistic missiles launched toward North America.

In addition, the squadron helps track earth-orbiting satellites, and reports that information to U.S. Space Command's space control center at Cheyenne Mountain AS. This information is combined with information from other sensors to form a satellite catalog. The Cheyenne Mountain AS space control center uses the catalog to keep track of more than 8,000 objects in orbit. The catalog is also used to generate the United Nations Registry Report, so national and international agencies can make sure new satellites will safely launch and orbit.

Speed is a key factor in day-to-day squadron activities. Within 60 seconds after detecting a launch, the crew on duty has to determine if the detection is valid or due to computer, mechanical or personnel error. After that, the crew determines the number of launched vehicles and provides impact predictions on North America. Once the information is determined, the unit passes updates to the appropriate authorities.

The mission of the 7th SWS is to:

• Detect sea-launched or intercontinental ballistic missiles, and determines the potential number and probable destination;
• Report detection information to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Cheyenne Mountain Air Station, CO; U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, NE; and the national command authorities;
• Detect the location of earth-orbiting satellites; and
• Maintain and operate the PAVE Phased Array Warning System radar.

The unit was originally part of Aerospace Defense Command's 26th Aerospace Division. In December 1979, it became part of Strategic Air Command.

The unit transferred to Air Force Space Command in May 1983, eventually becoming the 7th Missile Warning Squadron.

When the Air Force reorganized in 1992, the 21st Space Wing activated at Peterson AFB. The 7th MWS moved to the 21st SW and was renamed the 7th SWS.