7th Space Warning Squadron
7th Space Warning Squadron | |
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AFOUA | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lt Col Daniel Boyd |
Insignia | |
7th Space Warning Squadron (in use until transfer to the Space Force) |
The 7th Space Warning Squadron (SWS) is the premier Space Domain Awareness sensor on the West Coast. The unit was originally established to guard the U.S. West Coast against
Mission
Space Domain Awareness
The 7th SWS is primarily responsible for Space Domain Awareness along two lines of effort: Integrated Missile Warning & Defense (IMW/D) and Space Surveillance (SSA). Their passive mission is IMW/D where they only take action after a missile event has occurred. After autonomously sensing a missile within the coverage area the crew takes action in order to warn senior leaders of threats. All other times, the crew is actively engaged with the radar equipment, tuning and managing radar energy to best acquire, discern, track, and disseminate space object observations.
Integrated Missile Warning & Defense (IMW/D)
The 7th SWS is responsible for detecting
Speed is a key factor in day-to-day squadron activities. Within 60 seconds after detecting a launch, the crew on duty has to determine if the detection is valid, under investigation, or anomalous due to computer, mechanical or personnel error. After that, the crew determines the number of launched vehicles and provides impact predictions on North America. Once the information is determined, the unit passes updates to the appropriate authorities.[2]
The 7th SWS's corollary mission of
Satellite Surveillance
As missile threats are not common, the squadron's day-to-day mission is to track earth-orbiting satellites, and reports the information to the
Equipment
The PAVE PAWS radar uses nearly 3,600 small active antenna elements coordinated by two computers. One computer is on-line at all times, while the second automatically takes control if the first fails. The computers control the distribution of energy to the antennas to form precise patterns, allowing the radar to detect objects moving at a very high speed since no mechanical parts limit the radar sweep. The radar can change its point of focus in milliseconds, while conventional radars may take up to a minute to mechanically swing from one area to another. The main building is shaped like a pyramid with a triangular base 105 feet on each side. The two radiating faces are tilted back 20 degrees. Pave PAWS radar beams reach outward for nearly 3,000 nautical miles in a 240-degree sweep. At its extreme range, it can detect an object the size of a small car. Smaller objects can be detected at closer range.[2]
History
The Air Force finished construction of the PAVE PAWS site at Beale in October 1979. The unit was originally part of Aerospace Defense Command 26th Aerospace Division. In December 1979, it became part of Strategic Air Command. It attained initial operational capability in August 1980.[2]
The unit transferred to
Previous designations
- 7th Space Warning Squadron (1991–present)
- 7th Missile Warning Squadron (1979–1991)
Assignments
Branch
Functional Command
Space Delta
List of commanders
- Lt Col Dale R. Madison, Aug 1996 – 1998[3]
- Lt Col Dale Shirasago, 1998 – 2000
- Lt Col Dane Hollenga, 2000 – 2002
- Lt Col David Sutton, 2002 – 2004
- Lt Col Russell Pulliam, 2004 – 2006
- Lt Col Keith Skinner, 2006 – July 2008
- Lt Col Corey J. Keppler, July 2008 – 2010[4]
- Lt Col Scott M. Schroff, 2010 – 2012
- Lt Col Mark J. Sorapuru, 2012 – June 2014
- Lt Col Miguel A. Cruz, June 2014 – June 2016[5]
- Lt Col Jason L. Terry, June 2016 – June 2018[6]
- Lt Col Charles S. Sandusky, June 2018 – July 2020
- Lt Col Blake R. Hoagland, July 2020 – June 2022[7]
- Lt Col Daniel Boyd, June 2022 – present
Decorations
References
- user-generated source]
- ^ a b c d e f g h "7th Space Warning Squadron". Factsheet. United States Air Force. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
- ^ AFHRA FOIA Req 09-0061: 21st Space Wing Roster of Key Personnel (as of 31 December 1996)
- ^ "7th SWS Changes Command > Peterson Space Force Base > News of Peterson-Schriever Garrison | USSF | Peterson Space Force Base". Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "Colonel Miguel A. Cruz".
- ^ "Jason L. Terry". LinkedIn.
- ^ "Peterson-Schriever Garrison | USSF | Peterson Space Force Base".
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999