Mitchell Institute Names 2nd Space Launch Squadron as the General Atomics USSF Unit of the Year

Aurora, Colo. — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the “General Atomics U.S. Space Force Unit of the Year” trophy to the men and women of the 2nd Space Launch Squadron (2 SLS) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., at AFA’s 2026 Warfare Symposium on February 24. The award recognizes tactical level units commanded by board-selected Majors and Lieutenant Colonels for exceptional contributions to the USSF’s mission to secure our nation’s interests in, from, and to space and their embodiment of the Space Force Core Values.

The 2 SLS demonstrated a record-breaking year of assured access to space. Their efforts resulted in more than 70 successful launches out of the Western Range, supporting a wide variety of missions, including the Space Development Agency, Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and the National Reconnaissance Office.

The 2 SLS also executed X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle landing operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base; the first operations of this type in over a decade. As the only expeditionary launch squadron in the Space Force, members of the 2 SLS enabled Army and Navy missile transport and testing. The unit also spearheaded launch complex modification and establishment of mission assurance procedures for the new Vulcan launch vehicle.

The squadron was represented at the ceremony by the 2 SLS Commander Lt. Col. Andrew Singleton. The trophy was presented by Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier; Deputy Chief of Space Operations Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess; Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.); AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.); and Scott Forney, President of General Atomics Electromagnetics.

The distinctive accomplishments of the 2 SLS are truly deserving to be the 2025 General Atomics U.S. Space Force Unit of the Year.