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AFSPC 2007 Accomplishments
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- I am excited to lead over 39,000 men and women of Air Force Space Command as we fulfill our mission to deliver space and missile capabilities to America and its warfighting commands. Every second of every day, the people of AFSPC steadfastly deliver space apabilities and deter nuclear aggression. As we start a new year full of challenges, I would like to reflect on our remarkable accomplishments in 2007.
- In 2007, AFSPC delivered unprecedented space capabilities to National leaders and joint warfighters to help win the war on terror while preparing for the next war.
- Last year, we continued what we have been doing for decades--providing around-the-clock capabilities for America’s combatant commanders. Each day, AFSPC professionals answered the call to duty all over the globe by commanding, controlling, maintaining, sustaining, supporting and securing space and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) forces. These activities were integral to the fight against terrorism and the daily defense of our Nation and its interests.
- As a proud part of an Expeditionary Air Force, last year AFSPC forward-deployed nearly 4,000 of our 18,000 Airmen to support our combatant commanders while maintaining a Command-wide medical deployability rate of 87 percent. The lessons our deployed Airmen learned in theaters around the globe are catalysts for further developing a strong warrior ethos in AFSPC.
- Looking deeper into our Air Force’s highest warfighting domain, the end of 2007 marked five consecutive years without premature failure of any AFSPC on-orbit system. Many AFSPC satellites are lasting years beyond their original predicted life spans and are exceeding expectations every day--providing invaluable force enhancement capabilities to the joint warfighter and the Nation.
- Success of our on-orbit systems depends on successful launches. In 2007, AFSPC added to its all-time record of 56 successful National security payload launches in a row. Helping build that exceptional record, AFSPC launched five government payloads last year with Atlas V and Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELVs) and continued a string of excellence with 19 out of 19 successful operational launches using this latest generation of boosters. In all, AFSPC’s two launch facilities and ranges supported 23 successful military, civil and commercial launches in 2007 for various launch systems, proving that our Nation continues to set the standard for assured access to space.
- On 10 Nov, AFSPC conducted the first operational launch of a Delta IV Heavy EELV which carried the last Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite into orbit, adding tremendous missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence collection capabilities for combatant commanders and other users. In Dec, the Command presented DSP-23 to USSTRATCOM for operational use within a month of launch using the new Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Mission Control Station (MCS) Launch and Anomaly Resolution Center (LARC).
- Additionally, the first on-orbit SBIRS-Highly Elliptical Orbit (SBIRS-HEO) payload exceeded expectations in its checkout phase. The 11th Space Warning Squadron reactivated in Dec at Schriever AFB to control SBIRS-HEO with crews to be Combat Mission Ready by May 08.
- Focused on joint warfighter needs in times of peace, crisis or war, AFSPC successfully teamed with multi-service and interagency partners to stand up the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) office on 21 May. Directly linked to AFSPC’s Space Development and Test Wing, this office will yield a new National strategic capability as it defines, develops and executes joint processes to more quickly provide warfighters with space capabilities.
- Building better situational awareness in an increasingly contested space domain is a priority for the Command. AFSPC conducted an extensive Clean Sheet Space Surveillance Network (SSN) study in 2007 to determine the best suite of ground and space-based sensors to meet the National need for improved Space Situational Awareness (SSA). The study concluded with development of a “best value” architecture that became the basis for the network’s future roadmap and FY10 POM inputs. The year-long process clearly links USSTRATCOM needs to a future SSN architecture.
- Striving for better SSA and comprehensive global space command and control, AFSPC also improved our Nation’s global space command and control (C2) infrastructure in 2007. The 614th Air and Space Operations Center, the core of USSTRATCOM’s Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), spearheaded the acquisition, renovation and transition to a new facility at Vandenberg AFB. This effort modernized the JSpOC and more than doubled its physical size. AFSPC executed the $15M renovation while seamlessly moving 250 multi-service and coalition operators and 15 mission-unique systems at three classification levels--all with zero interruptions to critical operations. We now have a C2 platform for the future.
- Furthermore, 14 AF (AFSTRAT-Space) and HQ AFSPC successfully completed the transition of the 1st Space Control Squadron (1 SPCS) and Unified Space Vault (USV) from Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station to Vandenberg AFB on 14 Sep. The AFSPC team moved over 125 men and women and $450M worth of systems to a new location and flawlessly reestablished critical functions--all while maintaining a seamless level of operational excellence. This transition improved SSA by collocating 1 SPCS and USV with the JSpOC.
- The 11 Jan 07 Chinese anti-satellite event and other developments confirmed that the end of the Cold War did not eliminate potential threats to our space systems. To help protect space capabilities and services in a contested environment, the 21st Space Wing activated the 16th Space Control Squadron (16 SPCS) at Peterson AFB, in May, as the first dedicated defensive space control squadron. 16 SPCS fields and operates the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and Reporting System (RAIDRS) with one system deployed to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) theater to protect 400+ SATCOM communication links. This year, the 50th Space Wing also fielded the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) Link Protection System (ALPS) to rapidly analyze and report potential electro-magnetic interference at remote sites, making certain that critical satellite command and control links are maintained.
- To ensure high-reliability and effectiveness of this Nation’s ICBM force and deter potential adversaries, the Space Innovation and Development Center’s 576th Flight Test Squadron prepared and executed Glory Trip-193 on 7 Feb. In addition to sending a clear message about our nuclear capabilities, this successful Minuteman III test launch certified the Mk-21 Safety Enhanced Reentry Vehicle.
- Additionally, the Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP) team continued to provide innovative space-related capabilities and support to tactical warfighters, intelligence and space professionals worldwide. In 2007, it supported joint warriors with 70+ projects designed to rapidly fill critical mission needs for geographic combatant commands around the globe. For example, it operationalized the Talon NAMATH program in USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility (AOR) to provide enhanced GPS accuracy for the Air Force’s Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). Moreover, AF TENCAP solidified its relationship with the United States Air Warfare Center (USAWC) to advance air and space integration efforts ensuring that valuable products are developed for warfighting customers and tested in robust and realistic training environments.
- To help the Nation and its warfighting commands prepare for an uncertain future, AFSPC was actively involved last year with numerous exercises and wargames. In addition to providing continuous command and control of global space forces in support of real-world operations, 14 AF (AFSTRAT-Space) and the 614th Air and Space Operations Center supported 22 service, joint and major theater exercises in 2007. In Mar, AFSPC executed the Schriever IV wargame with 470 participants, including 74 flag officers or equivalents and 38 allied partners--the largest to date for the series. This event focused on the future and explored global space system architectures, technologies and C2 relationships; tackled concepts for integrating space with other warfighting domains; and examined potential policy trends and their implications.
- AFSPC and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) solidified their operational relationship by implementing the provisions established by the 2006 Memorandum of Agreement between the Air Force Chief of Staff and Director of the NRO. By working together, we are providing better space capabilities to the joint fight and the defense of our Nation--while mutually confronting our future challenges.
- A top Air Force priority is to recapitalize and modernize aircraft, satellites and user equipment to optimize military utility and better meet 21st Century challenges. As such, AFSPC is recapitalizing and modernizing its systems in all space mission areas.
- Providing a credible, safe and secure strategic deterrent with our ICBM team is of the utmost national importance. To ensure our Nation’s land-based ICBM force is viable through 2020, the ongoing $6.7B effort to extend the Minuteman III remained on target for completion by 2012. The Guidance Replacement Program was completed as of Dec 07, the Propulsion Replacement Program is 80 percent complete and other modification programs remain on track.
- Improving ICBM security is also among this Command’s highest priorities. In 2007, AFSPC completed the installation of concrete headwork barriers at each launch facility (LF), worked to provide real-time LF situational awareness for our security forces through the Remote Visual Assessment Program and progressed towards replacing LF secondary doors with Fast-Rising B-Plugs. Furthermore, 20 AF also added Tactical Response Force teams at each ICBM wing to ensure maximum security readiness.
- In addition to strategic deterrence, another mission of national importance performed by AFSPC is developing, operating and sustaining the Global Positioning System (GPS). Today’s GPS is the most capable in history and provides persistent position, navigation and timing signals to countless military and civil users all over the globe. GPS has enabled extraordinary capabilities on the battlefield and has helped fuel our Nation’s economy and way of life. In Oct and Dec, AFSPC launched the fourth and fifth modernized GPS IIR-M satellites configured with increased anti-spoofing and anti-jamming capabilities for military users and more robust capabilities for civil users. These two satellites were the first launched with the new Launch, Anomaly resolution and Disposal Operations (LADO) system that replaced an obsolete command and control system with a more modern and sustainable one. Furthermore, in Sep, AFSPC completed the transition of the GPS ground control segment to the new Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP) system, replacing a 20-year-old satellite C2 architecture.
- At a time when the demand for satellite communications and bandwidth continues to grow, AFSPC delivered vital connectivity for our National leadership and warfighters. The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and 14 AF prepared and launched the first Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite aboard an Atlas V EELV on 10 Oct. Each WGS satellite will provide communications capabilities greater than the entire constellation of efense Satellite Communications System-III satellites they are replacing. Today, five additional WGS satellites are either in the works or awaiting launch. To better strengthen ties with our allies and leverage global resources, the Air Force negotiated an agreement with the Australian government that allows a key partner to use the constellation and fund the procurement of the sixth WGS satellite.
- Terrestrial-based space systems are also lead-turning modern threats. In 2007, AFSPC’s Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) program achieved several milestones. In Aug, USSTRATCOM operationally accepted the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fylingdales UEWR for missile warning and space surveillance missions. In Sep, USSTRATCOM operationally accepted Beale AFB’s UEWR for missile warning, space surveillance and missile defense missions. As a key player in a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) flight test, the Beale UEWR and its crew acquired and tracked a flight-test target reentry vehicle launched from Alaska enabling the successful destruction by an interceptor launched from Vandenberg AFB.
- The source of our tremendous accomplishments in 2007 is our people and their unwavering commitment to our Nation, the Air Force and joint operations. AFSPC continued to lead the way in developing and caring for Airmen and their families.
- Understanding that Air Force professional development is a career-long process, AFSPC units in 2007 provided orientation through interactive seminars and courses for over 2,800 first-term Airmen, noncommissioned officers, senior noncommissioned officers, company grade officers and chief master sergeant selects.
- Ensuring our Airmen maintain our Air Force’s competitive edge and develop skills to succeed in and out of the military, AFSPC Education Centers administered 2,420 college-equivalency tests and awarded 4,500 credits. AFSPC also afforded its Airmen the opportunity to complete advanced degrees. In 2007, AFSPC Airmen earned 814 associate’s, 182 bachelor’s and 53 master’s degrees. Additionally, AFSPC competitively selected twenty officer and enlisted space professionals for a fully-funded University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Space Certificate pilot program consisting of five courses focused on space and space systems, engineering management, information and communications systems and space policy.
- The National Security Space Institute (NSSI) continued to establish itself as the premier campus for superior space professional training and education. Last year, the NSSI taught 71 courses--a 17 percent increase from 2006--with 1,700 students and over 166,200 hours of instruction. Over 350 of those students were from our sister services and for the first time, NSSI instructors taught our allied partners from the RAF and Royal Australian Air Force.
- Since 1996, the US Air Force Weapons School (USAFWS) has graduated 180 space weapons officers from a pool of AFSPC’s best and brightest. In 2007, AFSPC and the USAFWS continued their partnership in developing and delivering world-class graduates to expertly employ space and missile capabilities and instruct the next generation of operators. As the weapons and tactics mindset congeals within AFSPC, an increasing number of weapons officers are being assigned to AFSPC operational units. Of fourteen total graduates in 2007, ten were assigned to space operations units, two to missile operations units and the remaining two were assigned to theater organizations for sustained space capability integration with joint operations.
- AFSPC is also proud to operate its own world-class center focused on training nuclear security professionals. To ensure AFSPC provides the most secure nuclear deterrent, 20 AF operates the Nuclear Space Security Tactics Training Center (NSSTTC) at Camp Guernsey, WY. This facility trained over 1,700 security forces in 2007 on nuclear security and expeditionary tactics.
- Caring for Airmen starts with caring for our families and enhancing their accommodations and quality of life. AFSPC privatized nearly 4,000 military family housing residences at Peterson, Schriever, Los Angeles and Vandenberg AFBs. Additionally, 300 families moved into newly-privatized units at Buckley AFB. Making certain our families live in safe homes, AFSPC completed an 18-month long lead-based remediation project at F.E. Warren AFB’s historic housing units. To better protect natural resources for future generations and reduce operating costs today, AFSPC took on 40 new Energy Conservation Investment Program projects in 2007 with an estimated return on investment of 80:1.
- Finally, AFSPC experienced one of the safest years in its 25-year history. With the help of strong leadership and a wingman approach to safety, the Command lost no Airmen in off-duty accidents. Moreover, AFSPC has had zero major weapons mishaps in over four years, zero major flight mishaps in eight years and zero major space mishaps in over two years.
- I congratulate you on completing a very exciting and successful year. Because of your sustained excellence, talent, dedication and hard work, space capabilities are shaping the American way of warfare. I challenge you to carry on this impressive record of success in 2008 as we firmly affix our position as America’s space leaders…delivering responsive, assured, decisive space power.
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