U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND'S CHANGE IN MISSION 2001

The Jan. 1, 2001 release of the Congressionally-chartered Space Commission report set the stage for significant organizational and mission changes for AFSPC. (Courtesy of Department of Defense/dod.gov)
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
AFSPC Milestone: Space commission report released


8/15/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo. -- As Air Force Space Command approaches its 30th Anniversary on 1 Sep, here is a significant milestone from the command's history...


On 11 January 2001, the release of the Congressionally-chartered Space Commission report set the stage for significant organizational and mission changes for AFSPC.


Recommendations from the report led to AFSPC becoming a four-star Air Force command and its commander no longer triple-hatted with U.S. Space Command and NORAD, allowing AFSPC commanders the ability to focus their time and energy on organizing, training, and equipping U.S. Air Force space forces. In addition, the Space and Missile Systems Center was transferred from AFMC to AFSPC, bringing to the command responsibility for the development and acquisition of space and missile systems, thus merging operations and acquisitions functions within a single organization.

U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND MILESTONE: DESERT STORM, SPACE COMMAND SATELLITES

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force
FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND

During Operation Desert Storm, space systems provided warfighters with: satellite communications connectivity both in theater and between the battlefield and the continental U.S.; positioning and timing data for ground and air operations and weapons delivery; meteorological data; overhead imagery; and missile warning data
AFSPC Milestone: Operation Desert Storm, space assets active enablers

Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

8/9/2012 - Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. -- As Air Force Space Command approaches its 30th Anniversary on 1 Sep, here is a significant milestone from the command's history...

On 17 January 1991, Operation Desert Storm began and quickly became the first war to actively use space assets as part of military operations. Military space systems became a force enabler for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

These systems provided warfighters with: satellite communications connectivity both in theater and between the battlefield and the continental U.S.; positioning and timing data for ground and air operations and weapons delivery; meteorological data; overhead imagery; and missile warning data. The information obtained from space-based systems helped military planners see what Saddam Hussein could not see, and gave coalition forces the "high ground" to drive Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

HAUS EVACUATED BECAUSE OF WALDO CANYON FIRE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Default Cutline BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Haus, a military working dog from the 10th Security Forces Squadron, waits in his kennel June 27, 2012. Haus is one of eight military working dogs recently evacuated from the U.S. Air Force Academy due to the Waldo Canyon Fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk)  

Buckley lodges Air Force Academy military working dogs
by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk
460th Space Wing Public Affairs
6/27/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- Eight military working dogs and two handlers were given orders to evacuate the Air Force Academy June 26, and were relocated here where their dogs are currently being provided shelter.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Bailey, 10th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, said, "Due to their sensitivity, the primary mission was to get the dogs out due to the smoke and possible fire."

As evacuation plans were being established, Tech. Sgt. Justin Baker, 460th SFS kennel master, reached out and began making arrangements for their fellow dog handlers to come here.

"I started calling the chain of command and got their full support. We were just helping out the Academy," Baker said. "It's what we do."

Evacuation began yesterday afternoon and  progressed without issue. Within two hours of arrival, the dogs were housed and their handlers were placed in the dormitories.

"It all went very smoothly," said Bailey. "We are very thankful that Buckley was able to set us up, because we were not sure what to do next."

In addition to housing military working dogs, Buckley has provided the Air Force Academy a fire truck to assist in structural fires as needed.

THE NEW "AIR FORCE NETWORK INTEGRATION CENTER"

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
The ‘New’ Air Force Network Integration Center is focused on the core services of Air Force Network integration, cyber simulation, and network standards, architecture and engineering. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Travis Nuckolls) 

'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage 
by Katherine Kebisek
Air Force Network Integration Center
6/26/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- "Cyber Innovation. Mission Success." This is how the "New" Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.

It's a phrase representing a new direction for a not-so-new organization. AFNIC, established from what was formerly the Air Force Communications Agency, stood up in 2009 as a direct reporting unit to Air Force Space Command. The center's roots trace back even farther with the establishment of the Army Airways Communications Service in 1938.

The term "New AFNIC" emerged in the past several months as the center's personnel implemented a massive restructure of the organization based on recommendations from a 2011 Headquarters AFSPC study. AFNIC officials requested the study after being realigned to AFSPC.

"We had a very broad mission that included everything from standards and architecture, to writing Air Force policy, even doing some operations work," said Brad Ashley, AFNIC's technical director. The restructure aligned some command (i.e., organize, train and equip) functions to AFSPC, network operations and maintenance functions to 24th Air Force and network integration to AFNIC.

With the restructure complete, AFNIC officials are focused on providing cyber solutions for Air Force Network integration, cyber simulation and network standards, architecture and engineering. Through these core services, the center establishes what the Air Force network looks like and determines how to get cyber capabilities integrated into the network, helping Airmen achieve their mission with the "power of cyberspace."

"Almost everything we do in the Air Force today relies on the network," Ashley said. "If the combatant commander and the warfighter can't leverage the network for their unique mission set, then we're not getting the full power of cyberspace."

Knowing what the network looks like, and what it will look like in the future, is important. There have been instances where major information technology systems were built according to how the network was structured at the beginning of the project, but when it came time to connect to the Air Force network, sometimes years later, the systems didn't work as designed because the network architecture had evolved. AFNIC aims to prevent those situations.

"When we're engaged early in a project we can help identify potential issues and provide guidance to ensure systems and applications are developed compatibly with the AFNet," Ashley said. "The end result is a capability that works as intended, a secure network, and an empowered Airman ... that's the advantage we provide."

Fueling new AFNIC is a renewed emphasis on innovation, an ethos AFNIC's commander is passionate about.

"Innovation is the true fuel for our national economy and our nation's military prowess," said Col. Riz Ali, the AFNIC commander. "Innovation is more than just new technology; it's finding new ways to communicate, collaborate and do business. This mindset is very important to have and foster ... it's what drives progress."

As part of this effort, the center has made it a priority to be more transparent and improve communications. Personnel now regularly use tools like blogs, discussion forums and online working groups to connect and exchange ideas with mission partners around the world.

AFNIC also recently launched an internal program through which its personnel can submit and pursue ideas to improve center operations, the Air Force enterprise, or both.

"The ultimate goal is to introduce operationally viable, innovative cyber solutions to our Airmen," Ali said. "We are faced with serious challenges in cyberspace. The domain and the threats to it are constantly changing. We can't stay a step ahead unless we're thinking outside the box."

Innovation, combined with the decades of experience, technical expertise and commitment to customer service AFNIC personnel possess are what Ali said provide mission partners an advantage.

"Our cyber professionals have the knowledge, skills and innovative outlook to tackle even the most complex, demanding technical issues," Ali said. "We do what it takes to provide high-quality, decisive and secure cyber solutions ... an advantage that positions our partners for mission success."

NOT ALL PLASTIC IS SAFE FOR THE MICROWAVE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
By Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter
AFSPC/PA
6/20/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  -- If it doesn't clearly say "microwave-safe", it probably isn't.

According to the National Sanitation Foundation International webpage, placing certain plastics into the microwave can be harmful to your health.

Many white paper towels are fabricated with plastics, and are not microwave safe. Even some paper plates can be harmful. Plain paper is safe, but plastic coated paper is generally not microwave-safe.

The NSF is a World Health Organization recognized for its scientific and technical expertise in the health and environmental sciences and recommends never using plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls and other one-time use containers for cooking or reheating food in your microwave. These containers are not heat resistant and can melt, possibly leaching harmful chemicals into your food. When eaten, these chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, increasing risk for certain cancers, diabetes and early puberty, according to the NSF.

To minimize risk, the NSF also recommends using non-plastic dishes in the microwave; glass and ceramic are preferred for use in a microwave oven. When that's not possible, only use microwave-safe plastics.

How do you know? Check the triangle.

Just what is in a triangle? On the bottom of most plastic containers, you will find a small triangle made of arrows with a number inside of it. This number indicates the type of plastic that the product is made out of. By understanding this number, consumers can better understand if and how they can recycle the product and more importantly if it is safe to place in the microwave.

Plastics marked with a "Type 1" are the easiest to recycle and are in high demand by re-manufacturers. This plastic is widely accepted by recycling facilities and curbside recycling programs. These plastics are made of polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PETE or PET. Some common plastics marked with a number one include soda and water bottles, some medicine containers, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, salad dressing bottles and vegetable oil containers.

Type 1 and Type 2, which contain mostly high density polyethylene (HDPE), may be safe if marked "microwave safe"; however, some recommend against food contact when microwaving.

Type 5 plastics contain polypropylene (PP) and are used to make food storage containers like ketchup and syrup bottles, straws and plastic bottle caps. This type of plastic is most commonly labeled "microwave safe" although some still recommend against food contact when microwaving.

Polypropylene, which is in Type 5, is difficult to recycle and is only occasionally accepted through curbside programs and recycling centers.

However, as new methods for recycling PP are becoming more common, an increased number of recycling centers are accepting it.

Type 7 plastics are the most difficult to recycle and should never be used in the microwave. Some of these plastics are uniquely recycled by artists who find ways to fashion the materials into new objects. This plastic can also occasionally be re-manufactured into plastic lumber. It is important to know that some nursing bottles contain Polycarbonate and should be thrown out if they have been boiled or washed more than 20 times or are badly scratched.

What about items such as coffee cups, disposable cutlery and plates, meat trays, packing peanuts, insulation, egg cartons and carryout containers? These are Type 6 plastics made from polystyrene (PS), also known as Styrofoam. They are not heat stable and are a potential human carcinogen, meaning they contain bisphenol A (BPA), and they should never be microwaved.

Type 6 plastics are difficult to recycle, but are sometimes accepted by recycling plants and curbside programs.

Type 3 plastics are also difficult to recycle and contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl, a Type 3 material, often contains bisphenol A (BPA) making it hard to recycle.

Type 3 plastics are used for some plastic wraps and they should never be used in a microwave with food. PVC is also used in shower curtains, baby bottle nipples and a variety of clear bottles and packaging products. Recycled PVC can be used to make decks, mud flaps, gutters, flooring and cables.

Simply knowing the meaning of the plastic type can not only help the environment but also your body. Check with your local recycling facilities and Civil Engineering squadron to find out more on the harm plastics can cause and the proper way to dispose of them.

SPACE COMMAND BACKS NATO'S BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE DECLARATION

Launch of  Space-Based  Infrared Missile Defense System.   From:  U.S. Air Force.  

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Air Force Space Command Supports NATO Ballistic Missile Defense Declaration at NATO Summit
by Al Burke
U.S. Air Forces Europe

6/18/2012 - Ramstein Air Base, Germany -- General Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Forces Europe commander and nominee to serve as the 20th Air Force Chief of Staff, praised Air Force Space Command and the Air Force Material Command's Electronic Systems Command Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) Program Office for playing a key role in support of President Obama's Ballistic Missile Defense Phased Adaptive Approach and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's declaration of an Interim Ballistic Missile Defense capability for NATO European territory.

The declaration was made on May 21, 2012 at the NATO Summit in Chicago, which included Heads of States from all 28 NATO nations.

AFSPC now provides NATO with a continuous enhanced Space-based early warning data feed to NATO partners in support of the BMD mission. NATO receives data from space-based sensors with the same accuracy and timeliness as US forces.

"The delivery of enhanced Shared Early Warning data to NATO supports both the passive and active defense pillars of European Ballistic Missile Defense." said Lt Gen Friedrich Ploeger, Deputy Commander NATO Air Command Ramstein.

"The ability to integrate U.S. Space Based Infrared sensors into the NATO BMD architecture provides NATO the earliest launch indications to support the BMD Engagement Sequence and to kick off the Consequence Management process."

"The focal point of Missile Defense in Europe is Ramstein Air Base where U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach systems and AFSPC provided SEW+ data is integrated with NATO command and control systems," General Welsh said. "The combination of these capabilities is the foundation for US-NATO command and control."

The team's efforts ensured the SEW capability was delivered in time to support the April 2012 European Air and Missile Defense Exercise, which served as the operations validation event and facilitated the NATO declaration.

During this exercise, approximately 1,000 U.S. and NATO Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from HQ European Command, service components and six NATO command locations used the space-based infrared data to execute the missile warning and ballistic missile defense mission.

"The integration of SEW data into active ballistic missile defense systems increases their performance by improving their ability to acquire ballistic missiles," said Lt. Col. Frank Samuelson, AMDEX co-director.

This new SEW data enhances NATO's ability to provide missile warning notification across the entire European command and control enterprise. In the future, the U.S. hopes to enhance this capability with engagement quality data from space using the planned Missile Defense Agency delivered and AFSPC- supported Precision Tracking Space System.

On September 17, 2009, President Obama announced the United States would make the European Phased Adaptive Approach the U.S.'s voluntary national contribution to NATO European missile defense. The EPAA leverages U.S. space-based infrared sensors and includes the AN/TPY-2 radar and Aegis BMD ships linked together by the Missile Defense Agency's command, control, battle management and communications system.

The U.S. will field the EPAA in four phases, adaptive to the growing threat. As the EPAA matures, NATO BMD capability will extend defensive coverage to all NATO European allies against longer range and more capable ballistic missiles. The final phases of EPAA also supports U.S. homeland defense.

"Lt. Col. Mike McNeil and Capt. Nick Braun, from the AFPSC Shared Early Warning Program Office, showed significant leadership and vision in supporting emerging NATO requirements and leading their team's delivery of the enhanced SEW capability to NATO in time to support Presidential-level objectives," General Welsh said.

"Mr. Joachim Rogl, Mr. Lee Iverson, Mr. Mike Best and Mr. George Borrelli warrant special recognition as the SEWS team boots on the ground who did the heavy lifting to deliver the space-based infrared capability from Peterson Air Force Base to the new NATO Air Component Command at Ramstein Air Base," he said.

AIR FORCE VEHICLE COMES IN FOR LANDNG

FROM:  AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
The Air Force's unmanned, reusable space plane landed in the early morning of June 16 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., a successful conclusion to a record-setting test-flight mission that began March 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (U.S. Air Force file photo) 

Air Force space vehicle comes in for a landing
by Tech. Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

6/18/2012 - WASHNGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force's unmanned, reusable space plane landed in the early morning of June 16 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., a successful conclusion to a record-setting test-flight mission that began March 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, one of two such vehicles, spent 469 days in orbit to conduct on-orbit experiments, primarily checkout of the vehicle itself.

"The vehicle was designed for a mission duration of about 270 days," said Lt. Col. Tom McIntyre, the X-37B program manager. "We knew from post-flight assessments from the first mission that OTV-1 could have stayed in orbit longer. So one of the goals of this mission was to see how much farther we could push the on-orbit duration."

Managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the X-37B program performs risk reduction, experimentation, and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies. The X-37B mission is the longest space mission only after the NASA Discovery shuttle program.

The 11,000-pound state-of-the-art vehicle, which is about a fourth the size of the shuttle, allows space technology experts to continue sending up experiments, with results returning safely to Earth for study.

"With the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, the X-37B OTV program brings a singular capability to space technology development," McIntyre said. "The return capability allows the Air Force to test new technologies without the same risk commitment faced by other programs"

The vehicle was initially a NASA initiative, but was transferred to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2004. When it first launched in 2006, it was lauded for its cutting-edge technologies, such as the auto de-orbit capability, thermal protection tiles, and high-temperature components and seals.

"The X-37B's advanced thermal protection and solar power systems, and environmental modeling and range safety technologies are just some of the technologies being tested," said McIntyre. "Each mission helps us continue to advance the state-of-the-art in these areas."

AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND CELEBRATES FLAG DAY

AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Senior Airman Brett Steffen, 460th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician, raises the American flag at the 460th Space Wing Headquarters building. Steffen raises and lowers the flag for ceremonies, weather and other occasions all while paying Old Glory the proper respects. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau) 

A day for Old Glory 
by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

6/14/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Today we celebrate Flag Day by showing its respect to the national emblem that was adopted 235 years ago.

The American flag, sewn by Betsy Ross, has seen multiple iterations and designs throughout its history. However, the care and respect of the flag has remained constant and paramount.

The handling of Old Glory is governed by the National Flag Code, while the military follows additional customs and courtesies that are laid down by their respective services. Buckley Air Force Base uses honor guard demonstrations and wing retreat ceremonies as opportunities to display the proper respect toward our nation's colors.

The Air Force follows Air Force Manual 36-2203, Drill and Ceremonies, said Tech. Sgt. Scot Tardiff, 460th Space Wing information management technician and an Buckley AFB honor guard member for two and a half years. However, this manual is not the only reason Tardiff takes such care when handling the American flag.

"The flag represents liberty," said Tardiff. "The flag is the reason that I do what I do. To show disrespect to the flag is to show disrespect to the nation," continued the honor guard veteran, reiterating the importance of paying proper respect to the flag.

Eventually a flag will become worn by the weather and need to be retired. The National Flag Code states: the flag, when it's in such a condition, it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Individuals may hold their own flag retirement ceremonies or donate their worn flags to an organization that will retire Old Glory for them.

One of the many organizations that help individuals with flag retirement is The Enlisted Association, who recently held a flag retirement ceremony.

"We had gathered flags for the last two years," said Roger L. Tackitt, the local chapter president. "We had about 200 flags for the ceremony."

The ceremony consisted of first an invocation and then the pledge of allegiance, recounted Tackitt. Then there was an explanation of the meaning behind the stars and the stripes, followed by the cutting of the individual stripes out of the field. Those stripes were then lowered into the flames until the whole flag was burned to ash. From there, the grommets were removed and final respects were paid to the memory of the retired American flag, explained Tackitt proudly.

As the next generation grows to take the place of the last, both men agree respect for our nation's colors needs to be passed on and continued.

Attending flag ceremonies or getting involved with them, all while observing the customs and courtesies being rendered there, are great ways for others to learn the proper respect for our national emblem, cited Tardiff.

The most important thing to pass on to future generations is a respect for the nation and the flag for which it stands, said Tackitt.

COMMAND LINK WITH BALLISTIC MISSILE WARNING SENSORS UPGRADED

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration joint test assembly launches May 22, 2012, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 50th Space Communications Squadron recently completed upgrades to ballistic missile warning sensors communications systems around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo) 

Squadron nears completion of ballistic missile warning communications upgrade 
by Scott Prater
Schriever Sentinel

6/6/2012 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Ballistic missile warning sensors at sites around the world provide information vital to U.S. national security.

When the link connecting those sensors to decision makers at the North American Aerospace Defense Command was in jeopardy of failing, the Air Force called on the 50th Space Communications Squadron to help remedy the situation.

Six years and $6 million later, contractor crews working for the 50th SCS stand ready to flip the switch on a final upgrade that should safeguard the vital link for years to come, officials said.

The Air Force Space Command Digital Integrated Network, known as SDIN, has been around for decades. That means the actual communication equipment used to create the network has also been around for decades.

When the manufacturer of the 1980s-era equipment stopped building new machines, Air Force leaders knew they needed to create a plan for maintaining the legacy hardware, while at the same time developing, testing and implementing modern replacements.

"All of the legacy equipment, known as Timeplex, was growing beyond its end of life, so we've been under pressure to complete the upgrades," said Mike Hamilton, the SDIN program manager. "Since the Timeplex manufacturer couldn't support the aging equipment, we had to stockpile spare parts."

Essentially, crews were in a race to replace the legacy equipment with upgraded machines before the 50th SCS ran out of spares, all of which was much easier said than done, officials said.

The modern equipment, referred to as Juniper, needed to be installed, painstakingly tested and then approved before it could replace the older communication equipment at sensor sites around the world. All the work was performed onsite at each SDIN sensor site, some of which exist in remote locations.

Adding to the complexity of the project was the fact that the upgrade needed to occur without a disruption in service. Since more than seven worldwide entities -- including Russia, China, North Korea and Iran -- possess the capability to launch a ballistic missile, according to the National Intelligence Council, the system's importance is immeasurable.

"The SDIN network's primary function is 100 percent reliability," Hamilton said. "It has a lot of redundancy in both equipment and routing built into the network as well as alternative routing in case of failure. It's an extremely robust network because it has to be."

Hamilton indicated that missile warning or integrated tactical warning and attack assessment isn't the only mission SDIN supports. It also provides a data link for missions such as Milstar, controlled by the 4th Space Operations Squadron here, and the space-based infrared system.

Timeplex served its nation and military well and was an extremely reliable system, but the Juniper equipment is truly an upgrade, Hamilton said. Juniper supports all of the legacy protocols as well as newer bandwidths and newer protocols. Plus, it is still in production so the manufacturer can support and warrant all of the products involved.

The 50th SCS will wrap up the project soon. Squadron leaders said they expect the final SDIN equipment upgrade to tentatively occur at a sensor site somewhere around the world this September.

"The SDIN network is a unique and key enabler of the AFSPC, integrated tactical warning and attack assessment, and space command and control missions," said Ward Adams, the 50th SCS Plans and Resources Flight chief. "SDIN allows decision makers to get the right information on time."

RETIRED GENERAL KEVIN CHILTON INDUCTED INTO NASA'S ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Space shuttle astronauts Franklin Chang Díaz, retired Gen. Kevin Chillton and Charlie Precourt celebrate their induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., May 5, 2012. More than 30 Hall of Fame astronauts and hundreds of guests gathered to witness the annual induction ceremony. Chilton is a 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy. His wife, Brig. Gen. Cathy Chilton, is the mobilization assistant to the Academy superintendent. (NASA photo) 


Former AFSPC/CC named to  
Astronaut Hall of Fame 
By Don Branum
Air Force Academy Public Affairs

5/11/2012 - Kennedy Space Center, Fla -- Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton was inducted into NASA's Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony May 5 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Chilton is the former commander of Air Force Space Command and U.S. Strategic Command, a 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, the husband of Academy Mobilization Assistant Brig. Gen. Cathy Chilton and the father of Cadet 1st Class Madison Chilton.

Chilton piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavour on its maiden voyage during the Space Transportation System-49 mission, his first as an astronaut. Highlights of that mission included NASA's first three-person extravehicular activity during an operation to capture and repair a non-functional Intelsat VI satellite. He also piloted the 11-day STS-59 mission aboard Endeavour, which used radar imaging to map parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia for climate research.

Chilton commanded STS-76 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on his third mission. STS-76 highlights included docking with the Mir space station and a six-hour EVA by astronauts Michael Clifford and Linda Godwin.

His career also includes a joint assignment as the Joint Staff's director of politico-military affairs for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions. He held commands at Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., the Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike at Offutt AFB, Neb., 8th Air Force at Barksdale AFB, La., and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, Calif.

Chilton was a rated pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours in several airframes, including the F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle, B-52 Stratofortress and U-2 Dragon Lady. He holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University in New York. He retired Feb. 1, 2011.

Also honored during Saturday's ceremony were Franklin Chang Díaz and Charles Precourt. Díaz, NASA's first Latino astronaut, flew on seven space shuttle flights and logged more than 1,600 hours in space, according to NASA's website. Precourt flew on four space shuttle missions: STS-55 (Columbia), STS-71 (Atlantis), STS-84 (Atlantis) and STS-91 (Discovery).

The ceremony brings the total number of astronauts named to the Astronaut Hall of Fame to 82. Previous inductees include astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz programs, according to NASA.

TESTS PILOTS AND CYBERSPACE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Test Pilot School adds cyberspace training to its program.
by Laura Mowry

5/11/2012 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School has a long, rich history of educating the best of the best in air and space. Apollo 13 astronaut, Fred Haise; X-15 pilot, Joe Engle; and the first man to break the sound barrier, Chuck Yeager; are just a few of the notable Test Pilot School alumnae who have cemented their places in history books for their impressive accomplishments in both air and space.

Now that cyberspace is an integral part of the Air Force mission - it is time for TPS to educate the next generation of heroes.

"We are the place where the world comes to learn about test and evaluation. With the introduction of the Cyber Systems Test Course, we can now teach our graduates and others the framework for testing cyber systems in a contested environment," said Col. Noel Zamot, USAF TPS commandant. "This is the first course of its kind that includes a disciplined, yet flexible approach to testing cyber intensive systems."

The Cyber Systems Test Course provides Test Pilot School students with the knowledge and resources for successfully identifying and testing cyber vulnerabilities on a variety of systems. It provides students with a construct developed for identifying and testing cyber vulnerabilities, loosely based on a common decision making process known as the OODA Loop, which stands for observe, orient, decide, and act.

"The rigorous thought process applies to a wide variety of systems, whether it's testing vulnerabilities of a support system for the Joint Strike Fighter, the radar signal processer of a Global Hawk, or even a laser targeting pod for the B-1 or F-16," said Zamot. "We're asking students to think broadly about cyber vulnerabilities. I expect that students will look at systems in a disciplined fashion."

The course ensures that Test Pilot School students are better able to recognize cyber vulnerabilities, such as interference with precision airdrop missions and gives them the resources to not only identify that threat, but create an experiment to challenge it.

According to Zamot, the intensive curriculum of the Test Pilot School ensures that each graduate knows the entire test process, which includes mitigating cyber risks and vulnerabilities. It is their job as test professionals to lead people, bring experts together, and function as the glue and grease of the test program, even when it comes to cyber systems.

The need for the course became apparent during a visit approximately 18 months ago from Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Air Force Material Command commander, during which he questioned how the school was integrating cyberspace studies into the curriculum.

"We were a little behind when it came to teaching cyber," said Zamot. "We were glad to have General Hoffman's support and interest. So, we talked to a number of folks and everyone agreed that the perfect person to help us develop the course was Dr. Kamal Jabbour."

The school immediately contacted Dr. Jabbour, the Air Force's senior scientist for information assurance, at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate facility located in Rome, N.Y. The school invited Jabbour to take the Senior Executive Short Course to better understand the test culture and asked for his assistance in developing a cyber curriculum.

Jabbour, the Air Force's premiere information assurance scientist, with more than 30 years of experience developing systems-related curricula at the undergraduate and graduate levels, was the ideal candidate to work with the TPS on developing the Cyber Systems Test Course.

"We needed someone who has extensive knowledge of cyber and understands test and evaluation, as well as Test Pilot School limitations and constraints. In my mind, there was only one person in the world, and that was Dr. Jabbour," said Zamot.

Throughout his career, Jabbour has spent an immense amount of time educating top military leaders on the inherent threat associated with cyber vulnerabilities.

According to Jabbour, he began teaching Air Force ROTC cadets ten years ago and gradually made his way up to helping develop and even teaching the Cyber Operations Executive Course at Air University. Just a few years back, he taught every cyber component for flag officer courses at Air University, educating more than 200 General officers in one year.

His valuable expertise played a critical role in the development of the Cyber Systems Test Course, as he worked with the school to create a curriculum that will provide students with resources to evaluate and mitigate risk associated with cyber vulnerabilities, which will evolve as technology continues to advance.

"Aircraft functional dependence on software increased from next-to-nil with the F-4 Phantom to approximately 85 percent with the Joint Strike Fighter. It is increasingly important for testers to understand this dependence and test accordingly," said Jabbour.

After five months of working with the school and three visits to Edwards, the Cyber Systems Test Course was ready to be taught for the first time to the senior class, during the systems phase of the intensive year-long masters program.

"We sought to educate future developmental testers on evaluating weapons systems in a contested cyber environment through development of hypothesis, design of experiment, and creating of a test plan," said Jabbour. "I want the students to think critically about developing hypotheses to explain and challenge thoughts on aircraft functions."

Currently, the class has been taught three times to a variety of students, including during the school's first-ever Enlisted Flight Test Course. Initial feedback from all three classes was positive.

The intent moving forward is to expand on the class, which would drastically increase the length from four to six hours, to perhaps as lengthy as one week. Additionally, preparations are underway to write and present a formal scientific paper at a conference about the Cyber Systems Test Course framework.

TERRESTRIAL-TRUNKED RADIO PROVIDES RANGE IN DESOLATE ENVIRONMENTS

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
The desolate environment at Thule Air Base makes reliable communication vital. The 821st Air Base Group is implementing a new land mobile radio system to enhance communications capabilities and improve safety. The 821st ABG is one of the 21st Space Wing’s many geographically separated units.

Security forces enhances situational awareness with Arctic command, control innovation
rom 821st Air Base Group

5/4/2012 - THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- Airmen at Thule Air Base are adopting a new land mobile radio system, enhancing their communications capabilities.

Known as Terrestrial-Trunked Radio, or TETRA for short, this LMR system's employment will result in enhanced situational awareness, removal of a redundant command and control node, savings of one security forces post, and enhanced emergency services interoperability across all 821st Air Base Group agencies. The new system will enhance emergency services at the remote site.

The security forces' base defense operations center manages a command and control structure involving numerous first responder agencies across a massive geographic area encompassing 2,400 acres of real estate. The installation resides approximately 900 miles south of the North Pole, 15 miles from the polar ice cap, on an inlet to the Arctic Ocean known as North Star Bay.

The air base's mission requires daily travel exceeding 10 miles across rocky terrain with significant changes in elevation. Thule AB routinely experiences hurricane force winds during long and arduous storm seasons from September through May. As a result, procedures adopted for safety and mission execution mandate BDOC maintain contact with all personnel traveling across the installation during contingency storm operations. In fact, all movement is strictly controlled by the installation commander due to potential white-out storm conditions resulting from 100 mph winds and the risk to personnel should they lose situational awareness during their commute.

In all, the security forces squadron maintains communication with a host of customers, including the squadron's posted forces, Danish police, and contractor-provided fire and medical response forces, and manages interoperability between installation senior leaders and four separate command and control centers. Prior to TETRA, BDOC managed this requirement across three disparate communications platforms.

The TETRA currently being installed at Thule AB is unique in that, unlike typical first responder systems, it is based on the UHF electromagnetic wavelength rather than the typical VHF range. As a result, it provides greater range and the ability to pierce the dense walls of Thule's facilities, used to combat the severe environmental climate.

The TETRA system provides a suite of capabilities including GPS location designation for all users, multiple voice-call modes - person to person or full network broadcast - text capability, and duress annunciation. As a result, BDOC can maintain communications with all 821st Air Base Group and Greenland contractor senior leadership, and all non-emergency and emergency response agencies on one LMR platform.

At the same time, BDOC can visually track - via a digital mapping display - the location and travel data associated with all personnel in possession of a new handheld TETRA, and verify the employment of security forces personnel during all other contingency response incidents. Finally, the range of this system will allow the primary BDOC to control all forces across the 2,400 acre Thule defense area.

Many organizations participated in this shift to ensure the first responder community at Thule AB had a system capable of the significant geographic coverage and situational awareness necessary to ensure sound response protocols. The 821st Support Squadron Communication Flight recognized the technological capability, conducted site surveys and system testing, and communicated to the Air Force Space Command Communications and Information Directorate the need and justification that resulted in approval for a system not previously used.

The 821st Security Forces Squadron plans and programs section coordinated the re-write of an existing AFI with the AFSPC Security Forces Directorate to allow for the employment of the new technology. Finally, identification of the system and its potential occurred as a result of the communication's expertise that resides within the Greenland contractor's staff, who is also the primary installer of the equipment which achieved initial operational capability at the end of April.

The ability of those involved in the acquisition and employment of TETRA to break through long-held beliefs about one way to do business has resulted in a level of situational awareness never before possessed at Thule AB.

In times of shrinking budgets and reduced manpower, innovation is critical to the success of force protection initiatives. When dominating the high ground from a climatically-challenging area like Thule AB, innovation is vital.

PROTECTING MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
Capt. Tracy "Mickey" Lloyd, deployed as the theater space integrator for the director of space forces, searches through the embedded GPS/inertial navigation system unit to see the differences in loading/zeroiziing keys on a KC-135 Stratotanker. This was part of her endeavor to enable the airframes to use encrypted GPS. (U.S. Air Force photo/courtesy photo)
Space operator, KC-135 crews team together to realize space effects.

by Jennifer Thibault
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2012 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- More and more are realizing the "game-changing" force space capabilities provide in today's operations, as was the case more than 60 years ago when the air domain added a new dimension to land and sea operations. The power of that integration was seen first-hand by crews of the KC-135 Stratotanker force recently in Southwest Asia, thanks to Capt. Tracy "Mickey" Lloyd, a deployed member of the director of space forces team.

Charged with conducting protected military satellite communications with the 4th Space Operations Squadron at her home station of Schriever Air Force Base, she deployed as the theater space integrator for the Director of Space Forces, Col. Clint Crosier. In this capacity, she worked to more effectively integrate space effects into overall theater operations; the majority of her time was focused on increased integration of GPS into deliberate planning.

"I learned during the deployment that according to Air Mobility Command guidance, the KC-135 crews were restricted from using the Precise Positioning Service, or the encrypted, more precise GPS service in certain conditions and during certain phases of flight," said Lloyd. "That didn't seem like we were fully leveraging the GPS capability the way it was intended, so I began a 'science project' with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron Assistant Director of Operations, Maj. [Lawrence] Osiecki."

Lloyd began researching the KC-135 navigation systems through their technical orders and Air Force Tactics, Techniques and Procedures 3-1 and quickly became an expert in how the GPS system works onboard. She and Osiecki then began a series of tests on the jet to load and zeroize keys to fully document the operation of the navigation system across all of its possible configurations. They observed how the KC-135's systems responded with and without keys and came to the conclusion that the current guidance was outdated based on recent system upgrades. Armed with this knowledge, she set out to engage with AMC and the director of mobility forces to explore rescinding the guidance.

"Our research and observations showed that there were no operational grounds for not using the encrypted GPS signal across all phases of flight," said Lloyd. "I coordinated with AMC and the [director of mobility forces] and they believed in what we were trying to do. Armed with the desire to rescind the guidance, they began to champion the cause with us."

With their support, Lloyd and team were successful in rescinding the guidance just five days before she redeployed, affecting an operational policy change improving the navigational capability of the entire KC-135 fleet worldwide.

"My goal was to have guidance rescinded before I returned home, I didn't want to leave it for the next person," she said.

"Captain Lloyd was a great asset to our team," said Crosier. "Not only did she see the big picture of how space integrates across all domains, but she had a knack for interacting with others and helping them realize space effects in their realm. Her work on the KC-135 issue affected a global policy change--how many captains have that kind of impact?"

Lloyd also led a special project for Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, commander of Air Forces Central Command, to optimize how GPS effects were planned and integrated into other components' deliberate planning efforts. Through her work, she developed a key partnership with the Joint Navigation Warfare Center and ground-breaking new procedures the JNWC has now implemented as their global standard for all joint planning. The project also took her to brief Lt. Gen. Vince Brooks, commander of Army Forces Central Command and Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander of Naval Forces Central Command, which led both ARCENT and NVCENT to implement new procedures as a result of her work.

"The results of this project were really amazing" said Crosier. "Captain Lloyd's work with the JNWC team took the integration and deliberate planning of GPS effects to the most robust level in CENTCOM history. Tracy ended up being coined by the AFCENT commander, ARCENT commander and NAVCENT commander for her work. Tracy could be the first captain anywhere in CENTCOM, and certainly the first space officer, to get coined by all three service 3-stars in a single deployment--that's a real testament to the value our senior leaders place on the need for effective space integration."

Before deploying, Lloyd conducted some research with her predecessor.

"He recommended I learn as much as I could on GPS," Lloyd recalled.

Her squadron commander supported predeployment training to meet up with Crosier at the JNWC and get a head start on the project she would lead in theater. She also worked with Capt. Bryony Veater, the weapons officer at the 2nd Space Operations Squadron to learn more about operations and products. In visiting with the JNWC and 2 SOPS, she created a solid network foundation that helped her navigate issues in theater.

"This was my first deployment and I could not have asked for anything better," said Lloyd. "I found it very rewarding to identify issues and set out to solve them and help others realize the continuous process improvement throughout all aspects of the deployed environment."

In theater, Lloyd was assigned to 12 hour shifts during which she would identify issues and develop solutions.

"Captain Franz Brunner, the [DS4] national technical integrator, and I referred to them as science projects," said Lloyd. "We'd try out new ideas and if we were able to prove our hypothesis, then we would work to determine how best to integrate them into current operations."

Lloyd credits some of her in-theater success to her weapons school training and to being open-minded.

"I was open to learning and teaching others throughout my deployment. Most people appreciated space but were inquisitive of other platforms and weapons systems," she said. "I reached out to our joint and coalition partners to learn more about our users to discover better ways of supporting them. We can't just know our space systems, we have to know how [they're used] in operations. Weapons school taught me the importance of not only being an expert in space systems, but to use that knowledge for improved integration. And then to teach that integration to the space community and also to current and potential customers."

She said this integration enabled the most rewarding aspect of her deployment, "Watching and knowing others are applying their new-found space knowledge and that they will take it with them and share with others compounding the cross functional awareness of space effects."

Back at home, Lloyd is settling back into family life with her husband and two sons.
"Being separated from them was hard, but I knew I had superstar support at home keeping it all on track," she said.

4TH SPACE OPERATIONS SQUADRON CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND
4 SOPS celebrates 20 years of history 

by 1st Lt. Shawn Woodall Jr.
4th Space Operations Squadron



Brig. Gen. Roger W. Teague, Space and Missile Systems Center vice commander. speaks to members of the 4th Space Operations Squadron and other attendees at the ceremony marking the 20th Anniversary of the 4 SOPS April 20. Following the ceremony, attendees were able to tour the current 4 SOPS operations floor. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Dennis Rogers)

4/25/2012 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- For nearly 20 years, the men and women of the 4th Space Operations Squadron have been providing protected military satellite communications to the Department of Defense. Though April 30 marks the 20-year milestone for the squadron, 4 SOPS lineage dates back to the early 1940s.

The squadron began with the activation of the 4th Photographic Squadron June 10, 1941, at March Field, Calif. In World War II, the unit saw a lot of action in the Pacific Theater and was highly decorated.

The unit experienced a few more activations and deactivations before it was activated with its current designation. The 4 SOPS, as we know it today, was activated April 30, 1992, with the charge to operate highly protected military satellite communications operating the Milstar Constellation. Today, along with operating Milstar, 4 SOPS recently took control of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite communication system.

With this, the unit celebrated its 20th anniversary, April 20, with a series of events. Lt. Col. Scott Trinrud, 4 SOPS commander, and Brig. Gen. Roger Teague, director of the Space and Missile Systems Center's Infrared Space Systems Directorate, kicked off the celebration with opening remarks at the Bldg. 210 atrium. The 4 SOPS also hosted a social event in the evening at Peterson Air Force Base club, where Trinrud and former squadron commanders gave remarks about the squadron and its achievements.

"It's an honor to be a part of a squadron with a proud heritage and a critical mission," said Lt. Col. Patrick Long, 4 SOPS director of operations.

As part of its mission, the squadron commands and controls the Air Force-protected MILSATCOM systems, which provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The 4 SOPS' motto, "Linking the Forces," mirrors the squadron's responsibility to enhance the nation's secure communications capability for today's military forces. The squadron operates the Milstar/AEHF satellite constellation through the Air Force Satellite Control Network, Protected Satellite Operations Center and Mobile Constellation Control Stations. The Milstar/AEHF constellation links command authorities to high-priority U.S. forces via communications terminals onboard aircraft, ships, submarines, trucks and ground sites with encrypted facsimile, teletype, data or voice communications.

Another aspect to the 4 SOPS mission consists of its mobile operations, whose operators are ready to deploy at a moment's notice. They deploy with the commanders of U.S. Northern Command and Strategic Command, supplying survivable, enduring and secure communications and constellation command and control throughout the entire spectrum of conflict, which includes trans- and post-attack phases of nuclear war.

"Our mobile capability offers uniqueness unknown to any other squadron that provides MILSATCOM," said 1st Lt. Kris Walker, mobile operations engineer. "This exceptionality makes 4 SOPS critical to routine, as well as contingency operations."

As the squadron moves forward with satellite operations, DoD users can be assured that 4 SOPS will continue to provide military satellite communications for many years to come