Buckley Space Force Base
Buckley Space Force Base | |||||||
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Buckley Garrison | |||||||
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Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1] |
Buckley Space Force Base (
Buckley was established in 1938 by the
History
Buckley Field (1938–1947)
In 1938, the city of
Prior to the United States' entry into
Following the end of World War II in 1945, Buckley Field fell into disuse and in June 1946, the
In 1946, the Department of the Navy issued a requirement for an inland Naval Air Reserve Station that could serve as a refueling stop for its aircraft, as well as a Naval Reserve station for sailors in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and parts of North and South Dakota and Nebraska. The first sailors were assigned to Buckley Field in December 1946, and the base was transitioned to the United States Navy on 28 September 1947, becoming Naval Air Station Denver (NAS–D).[4]
The Colorado Air National Guard remained at the site, with its
In 1957, a radar detection site administered by the 138th Air Control and Warning Squadron was established.[2]
Buckley Air National Guard Base (1960–2000)
In June 1959, the Department of the Navy planned to close thirty Naval Air Reserve stations as part of budget cutting measures, including Naval Air Station Denver. On 18 April 1960, the base was turned over to the Department of the Air Force, becoming Buckley Air National Guard Base, the first stand-alone Air National Guard base in the United States Air Force. The United States Navy continued to maintain a Naval Air Reserve Center at the base.[2] During the 1960s, development edged toward Buckley and the land of the air base was annexed to Aurora in 1965 and 1966.[5]
The 140th Air Defense Wing assumed responsibilities for the base. In 1961 the 140th Air Defense Wing became the 140th Tactical Fighter Wing, transitioning from the F-86 Sabre to the
In spring 1969, the United States Air Force began development on the Defense Support Program ground station, beginning Buckley's space history. The first DSP satellites were launched in November 1970 and the ground station began operations in 1971. The 140th Tactical Fighter Wing transitioned to the LTV A-7 Corsair II in 1973, and in 1992, the 140th Tactical Fighter Wing became the 140th Fighter Wing and began transitioning to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. It later became the 140th Wing in 1955. In December 2001, a new Defense Support Program and Space-Based Infrared System ground station was activated.[2]
After the end of the
Buckley Air Force Base (2000–2021)
Following the activation of the 821st Space Group in 1996, the space mission at Buckley grew considerably. On 1 October 2000, the
Buckley Space Force Base (2021–present)
Following the establishment of the
Units
United States Space Force
As a United States Space Force base, the preponderance of the units at Buckley are from the service.
Space Base Delta 2
Space Base Delta 2 (SBD 2) is responsible for the administration of Buckley Space Force Base under Space Operations Command, taking over the responsibility from the inactivated 460th Space Wing in 2020. It was formerly named Buckley Garrison until being redesignated on May 23, 2022, alongside the inactivation of the 460th Mission Support Group.[8] Space Base Delta 2 also has responsibilities for providing installation support for Cape Cod Space Force Station, Cavalier Space Force Station, and Clear Space Force Station. Space Base Delta 2 supports 3,500 active duty members from every military service, 4,000 National Guard personnel and reservists, four commonwealth international partners, 2,400 civilians, 2,500 contractors, and approximately 88,000 retirees, veterans and dependents combined. Buckley Space Force Base is estimated to contribute $1 billion annually to the local economy.[9]
Space Base Delta 2 is responsible for providing base operating support through security, civil engineer, military/civilian personnel, base services, contracting and logistics functions to 93,000 military, civilian, contractor, retiree, veteran and family members at Buckley Space Force Base along with the bases tenant units in the Front Range area defense community. The 460th Contracting Flight (460 CONF) is responsible for
The 460th Medical Group (460 MDG) is divided into two squadrons. The 460th Medical Group is responsible for providing
Space Base Delta 2 is composed of the following units at Buckley Space Force Base:
Space Base Delta 2
- 460th Comptroller Squadron (460 CPTS)
- 460th Civil Engineer Squadron (460 CES)
- 460th Contracting Squadron (460 CONS)
- 460th Force Support Squadron (460 FSS)
- 460th Logistics Readiness Squadron (460 LRS)
- 460th Security Forces Squadron (460 SFS)
- 460th Medical Group (460 MDG)
- 460th Healthcare Operations Squadron (45 HCOS)
- 460th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (45 OMRS)
Space Delta 4
Space Delta 4 units not at Buckley Space Force Base include the
Space Delta 4 is composed of the following units at Buckley Space Force Base:
Space Delta 4 (DEL 4)
- 2nd Space Warning Squadron (2 SWS)
- 11th Space Warning Squadron (11 SWS)
- 460th Operations Support Squadron (460 OSS)
- Detachment 1 (DEL 4, DET 1)
Other Space Force units
Other units at Buckley Space Force base include Space Delta 6's 62nd Cyber Squadron and Space Delta 7's Detachment 4, 71st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron. The 62nd Cyber Squadron is responsible for defensive cyber operations and Detachment 4, 71 ISRS is responsible for providing intelligence analysis and support to all Space Delta 4 units.
Other Space Force units at Buckley Space Force base include:
- 62nd Cyber Squadron (Space Delta 6)
- Detachment 4, 71st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (Space Delta 7)
United States Air Force
140th Wing (Colorado Air National Guard)
The 140th Wing (140 WG) is the primary unit of the Colorado Air National Guard, consisting of five groups, with four being located at Buckley Space Force Base. The 140th Wing consist of 1600 personnel that fall under three Air Force major commands and Space Force field that provide with fighter, space-based early missile warning and support forces. It consist of the 140th Operations Group, 140th Maintenance Group, 140th Mission Support Group, 140th Medical Group, and the 233rd Space Group (located at Greely Air National Guard Station).
The 140th Operations Group (140 OG) is responsible for flying operations at Buckley Space Force Base and consists of the
The 140th Maintenance Group (140 MXG) consist of two squadrons and one independent flight. The 140th Maintenance Operations Flight (140 MXOF) provides extensive maintenance analysis data, maintains oversight of wing plans, training, scheduling, and forms documentation for the entire group and manages the Maintenance Operations Center. The 140th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (140 AMXS) provides intermediate and flight line maintenance. The 140th Maintenance Squadron (140 MXS) is responsible for specialized maintenance of F-16 components, systems and support equipment.[14]
The 140th Mission Support Group (140 MSG) consists of four squadrons and two independent flights. The 140th Force Support Squadron (140 FSS) consists of the Sustainment Services Flight, responsible for lodging, food service, fitness and recreation, Color Guard, mortuary affairs and protocol services, the Manpower and Personnel Flight, responsible for services including military and dependent ID cards, education services and personnel support functions, the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, responsible for emergency assistance and deployment-related support and services, and the Recruiting and Retention office for the
The 140th Medical Group (140 MDG) consists of the 140th Medical Squadron (140 MS), which serves as a clinic in support of the 140th Wing by providing physical examinations, immunizations, bioenvironmental engineering, and occupational health management programs. In addition, the 140th MDS also conducts Air Transportable Hospital mission taskings and flight surgeon support to all wing deployments.[17]
Located at Greely Air National Guard Station, the 233rd Space Group (233 SG) consists of the 137th Space Warning Squadron (137 SWS), 233rd Space Communications Squadron (233 SCS), 233rd Security Forces Squadron (233 SFS), and 233rd Logistics Readiness Flight (233 LRF). It operates the Defense Support Program's Mobile Ground Station and is gained by Space Operations Command.[18]
The 140th Wing is composed of the following units at Buckley Space Force Base:
140th Wing
- 140th Operations Group
- 120th Fighter Squadron
- 140th Operations Support Squadron
- 140th Maintenance Group
- 140th Mission Support Group
- 140th Civil Engineering Squadron
- 140th Communications Flight
- 140th Force Support Squadron
- 140th Logistics Readiness Squadron
- 140th Security Forces Squadron
- 240th Civil Engineer Flight
- 140th Medical Group
- 140th Medical Squadron
Air Reserve Personnel Center
The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) is a major command direct reporting unit to Air Force Reserve Command and provides support to both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. It consists of four directorates: the Directorate of Assignments (DPA), which facilities Air Force reserve developmental boards, the Directorate of Total Force Services (DPT), which processes retirements, evaluations, awards and decorations, and DD 214s, the Directorate of Future Operations and Integration (DPX) which is responsible for the internal communication systems that enable technicians to process personnel actions, and the Promotion Board Secretariat which conducts officer promotion boards.
710th Operations Group
The 710th Operations Group (710 OG), part of
The 710th Operations Group is composed of the following units at Buckley Space Force Base:
710th Operations Group
- 4th Space Warning Squadron
- 8th Space Warning Squadron
- 710th Operations Support Flight
544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group
The 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, part of Air Combat Command, is a force provider to the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado.[20] The 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was re-established on Sept 27th, 2022 to delivers global, space-related information to national agencies and warfighting commands, provides policy guidance and functional assistance to assigned organizations, and develops mission-based facilities and communication.[21]
The 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group is composed of the following units at Buckley Space Force Base:
544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group
- 18th Intelligence Squadron
- 26th Intelligence Squadron
- 566th Intelligence Squadron
Joint organizations
Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado
The National Reconnaissance Office's Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado (ADF–C) is a multi-mission ground station responsible for supporting worldwide defense operations and multi-agency collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of intelligence information. It provides data to defense, intelligence, and civil agencies supporting the U.S. Government and its Allies.[20]
Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center
The Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center (JOPC) is a joint organization comprising National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the United States Space Command's Combined Force Space Component Command personnel. The Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center conducts integrated mission management to optimize the OPIR enterprise for national-level decision makers, warfighters, and the Intelligence Community. The JOPC plans, tasks, monitors, and assesses OPIR operations and serves as the focal point for 24/7 OPIR reach back and customer support. The JOPC provides tailored support to each of the Combatant Commands (COCOMs) and partner Coalition operations centers including the Australian Space Operations Center (AUSSpOC), Canadian Space Operations Center (CANSpOC), and United Kingdom Space Operations Center (UKSpOC).[22]
Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado
Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado (JFHQ-CO) is commanded by the Adjutant General of Colorado and consists of the Director of Joint Staff, Ground Forces Component Commander, Air Forces Component Commander, Space Forces Component Command, and commands and controls the Colorado Army National Guard, Colorado Air National Guard, and any other assigned forces. JFHQ-CO provides trained and equipped forces to accomplish federal and state missions, and on the order of the president of the United States or governor of Colorado, executes assigned missions and provides support and/or command and control for other forces, such as DoD elements and agencies.[20]
United States Army
743rd Military Intelligence Battalion
The 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion , organized under the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade conducts worldwide SIGINT operations to enhance battle command and provide information advantage to Army, Joint, and Combined Forces, as well as National Consumers.[23]
Colorado Army National Guard
The Colorado Army National Guard units at Buckley Space Force Base include the headquarters of the 169th Field Artillery Brigade (in addition to its 540th Network Support Company and 86th Military Intelligence Battalion), the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) and 2-135 Aviation Battalion (General Support), Colorado Army National Guard Medical Command, and Special Operations Detachment-Korea. The AASF supports a general support aviation battalion (GSAB), a MEDEVAC detachment, a security and support (S&S) company, and an operational support airlift detachment including over 430 soldiers and 24 aircraft.[20]
Colorado Army National Guard units at Buckley Space Force Base include:
- Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF)
- 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support)[24]
- Higher Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support)
- Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support)
- Company D, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support)
- Company E, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support)
- Company A, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment
- Detachment 1, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment
- Detachment 3, Higher Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment
- Detachment 1, Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment (MEDIVAC)
- Detachment 3, Company D, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment
- Detachment 3, Company E, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment
- Detachment 1, 131st Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Company
- Detachment, Company D, 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment
- Headquarters, 169th Field Artillery Brigade
- Company D, 572nd Engineer Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Military Intelligence
- Colorado Army National Guard Medical Command [25]
- Special Operations Detachment-Korea (Airborne)[26]
United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps units at Buckley Space Force base include Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Quebec Battery 5-14 Marines, Alpha Company, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, and Bravo Company, Marine Corps Forces Reserve Intelligence Support Battalion. Combat Logistics Battalion 453 (CLB 453) is a reserve logistics battalion under
Marine Corps units at Buckley Space Force base include:
- Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Marine Forces Reserve
- Marine Forces Reserve
- Company A, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion
- Marine Forces Reserve
United States Navy units at Buckley Space Force Base include the Navy Information Operations Command-Colorado and Navy Operations Support Center-Denver. The Navy Information Operations Command-Colorado was originally activated on 1 November 1995 as Naval Security Group Activity Denver and assumed its current name in December 2005 and is part of
Navy units at Buckley Space Force base include:
- United States Fleet Cyber Command)
- Navy Operations Support Center-Denver (United States Navy Reserve)
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit-Colorado (CGCU-Colorado) was commissioned at Buckley Space Force Base on 3 October 2007 and conduct technical training and analysis of the maritime domain in support of tactical and operational fleet commands, the Coast Guard Intelligence enterprise, and combatant commanders. In conjunction with their daily analytical duties, members of the unit simultaneously develop, train and refine their cryptologic skills to support future afloat operations in the Coast Guard.[20]
Base assignment and major units
Name[2] | Military service | Assigned command | Higher headquarters/ garrison |
Major units |
---|---|---|---|---|
Demolition Bombing Range–Lowry Auxiliary Field (1938–14 June 1941) |
United States Army |
United States Army Air Corps |
Lowry Field |
Air Corps Technical School (1938–26 March 1941) |
Buckley Field (14 June 1941 – 28 September 1947) |
United States Army Air Forces |
Air Corps Technical Training Command (26 March 1941 – 1 November 1941) Fourth Technical Training District (1 November 1941 – 31 August 1943) Western Technical Training Command (31 August 1943 – 15 October 1945) Army Air Forces Training Command (15 October 1945–June 1946) | ||
Naval Air Station Denver (28 September 1947 – 18 April 1960) |
United States Navy |
Naval Air Reserve Command |
140th Air Defense Wing (1 July 1957–) | |
Buckley Air National Guard Base (18 April 1960 – 1 October 2000) |
United States Air Force |
Air National Guard |
(15 March 1992–) |
821st Space Group (1996–) |
Buckley Air Force Base (1 October 2000 – 4 June 2021) |
Air Force Space Command |
(19 August 2004 – 24 July 2020) |
||
Buckley Space Force Base (4 June 2021–present) |
United States Space Force |
Space Operations Command |
Buckley Garrison |
Space Delta 4 Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado 140th Wing |
See also
References
- ^ "Airport Diagram – Buckley AFB (KBKF)" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. 23 May 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Buckley Air Force Base, "From Air to Space: A Brief History of the 460th Space Wing and Buckley Air Force Base," https://www.buckley.spaceforce.mil/Portals/13/documents/2016%20Heritage%20Booklet.pdf?ver=2016-12-27-161000-643×tamp=1482873009433 (accessed 9 Aug 2018)
- ^ History Office, Buckley Field, April 1942-September 1946
- ^ Riem, Shawn; 460th Space Wing. "NAS Denver has proud, long history". Buckley Air Force Base Website. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Buckley radomes information review". Buckley Space Force Base. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
- ^ "Buckley Space Force Base > Home".
- ^ "Space Force assumes command of newly named Buckley Space Force Base". 4 June 2021.
- ^ "Buckley Garrison renamed Space Base Delta 2, 460th MSG inactivated". Buckley Space Force Base. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ "Space Base Delta 2".
- ^ "460th Mission Support Group". Buckley Space Force Base.
- ^ "460th Medical Group".
- ^ a b "Space Delta 4 – Missile Warning".
- ^ "140th Operations Group (OG)". 140Th Wing.
- ^ "140th Maintenance Group (MXG)".
- ^ "140th Mission Support Group (MSG)". 140th Wing.
- ^ "240th Civil Engineer Flight (CEF)". 140th Wing.
- ^ "140th Medical Group (MDG)".
- ^ "233d Space Group". 140th Wing.
- ^ "710th Operations Group".
- ^ a b c d e f g "Major Tenant Organizations".
- ^ "Newly activated 544th ISRG welcomes units during ceremony". United States Air Force. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ "Joint Overhead Persistent-Infrared Center (JOPC)" (PDF). vandenberg.spaceforce.mil. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
- ^ "743rd Military Intelligence Battalion".
- ^ "2-135 Aviation Bn (General Support Avn Bn)".
- ^ "Medical Command".
- ^ "SOD-K (Special Operations Det – Korea)". co.ng.mil.
- ARPC moves to Buckley Air Force Base
- Manning, Thomas A. (2005), History of Air Education and Training Command, 1942–2002. Office of History and Research, Headquarters, AETC, Randolph AFB, Texas
- Shaw, Frederick J. (2004), Locating Air Force Base Sites, History's Legacy, Air Force History and Museums Program, United States Air Force, Washington DC. OCLC 57007862, 1050653629
- "Buckley Air Force Base 2006 Guide". AQP Publishing Inc.
- This article incorporates public domain material from Buckley Air Force Base. United States Air Force.
External links
- Official website
- FAA Airport Diagram (PDF), effective April 18, 2024
- FAA Terminal Procedures for BKF, effective April 18, 2024
- Resources for this U.S. military airport:
- FAA airport information for BKF
- AirNav airport information for KBKF
- ASN accident history for BKF
- NOAA/NWS latest weather observations
- SkyVector aeronautical chart for KBKF