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Space warning squadron teamwork creates history

USAF Space Command News

Release Date: 11/20/2002

By Tech. Sgt. Michael Phillips 21st Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For the first time in the history of space-based missile warning, a space operations center here was fully manned by Reservists. Members of the 8th Space Warning Squadron, a Reserve unit, made up an entire shift Nov. 3 at the Space-Based Infrared System Mission Control Station, normally mixed with active-duty members of the 2nd Space Warning Squadron.

"With a crew size of nearly 25 people, this is an enormous accomplishment for our Reserve partners and the 2nd and 8th Space Warning Squadrons team," said 2nd SWS commander, Lt. Col. Robert Gibson. "I wouldn't have missed this changeover for anything."

The 2nd Space Warning Squadron's mission is to maintain satellite control authority for the Defense Satellite Program satellite constellation and report ballistic missile and space launches, nuclear detonations and infrared data of intelligence value to unified commands, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, president and secretary of defense.

The 2nd opened the Space-Based Infrared System MCS on Dec. 17, 2001.

The 8th SWS is the first space unit to integrate Reserve and Air National Guard members into an active-duty mission from the beginning stage. It is part of the 310th Space Group, Schriever AFB, Colo. -- the only space group within Air Force Reserve Command.

"Thanks to the professionals in the 8th SWS portion of the SBIRS team, a few active-duty members were given a badly needed day off," Gibson said.