Air Force Space Command

Air Force Space Command was a unified major command of the United States Air Force and subsequently the United States Space Force. It was responsible for providing space and missile warning, as well as operating and defending United States military interests in space. Air Force Space Command played a critical role in the nation's space and missile defense systems. The command was established in 1982 and was headquartered at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.

History

Air Force Space Command was established on January 1, 1982, with the goal of consolidating and organizing the United States Air Force's space and missile defense operations. The command was formed from the consolidation of several existing units, including the Space and Missile Systems Organization and the Ballistic Missile Defense Command. In 2001, Air Force Space Command was designated as a Unified Combatant Command by the United States Department of Defense. On August 21, 2019, Air Force Space Command was redesignated as the United States Space Force, with General John W. Rayborn Jr. serving as its first commander.

Organization

Air Force Space Command was organized into several major units, including the Space Operations Command Center and the Space and Missile Warning Systems. The command also had several subordinate units, including the 45th Space Wing, the 50th Space Wing, and the 310th Space Wing. These units were responsible for operating and maintaining a range of space and missile defense systems, including the Defense Support Program and the Space-Based Infrared System.

Missions and responsibilities

The primary mission of Air Force Space Command was to provide space and missile warning, as well as to operate and defend United States military interests in space. The command was responsible for detecting and tracking missile launches, as well as providing support for United States Strategic Command and other Unified Combatant Commands. Air Force Space Command also played a critical role in the nation's space control and missile defense systems, working closely with other United States Armed Forces and National Security Agency.

Major units and installations

Air Force Space Command had several major units and installations, including Schriever Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. The command also operated several space and missile defense systems, including the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system and the Aegis Combat System. These systems were critical to the nation's missile defense and space control capabilities.

Equipment and systems

Air Force Space Command operated a range of equipment and systems, including the Defense Support Program, the Space-Based Infrared System, and the Wideband Global SATCOM system. The command also operated several ground-based radar systems, including the Phased Array Radar and the AN/FPS-85 radar system. These systems provided critical support for the nation's space and missile defense operations.

Commanders

Several notable commanders led Air Force Space Command during its existence, including General James L. McDivitt, General John R. Allen, and General William L. Enyart. These commanders played a critical role in shaping the command's mission and operations, and in ensuring the nation's space and missile defense capabilities. General John W. Rayborn Jr. served as the final commander of Air Force Space Command, before it was redesignated as the United States Space Force. Category:United States Space Force