7th Space Operations Squadron
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| 7th Space Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
 7th Space Operations Squadron emblem |
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| Active | 1993-Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Type | Space Operations |
| Role | Augmenting Active Duty Space Missions |
| Part of | 310th Space Wing (AFRES) |
| Garrison/HQ | Schriever AFB, Colorado |
| Motto | FIRST FROM THE STARS |
The United States Air Force's 7th Space Operations Squadron (7 SOPS) is an Air Force Reserve space operations unit located at Schriever AFB, Colorado.[1] [2]
Contents |
[edit] Mission
The 7th Space Operations Squadron operates the Multi-Mission Space Operations Center, a one-of-a-kind satellite operations center focused on rapidly fielding cutting-edge space technologies for warfighters.[3]
The previous mission for 7 SOPS was to augment space operation squadrons of the 50th Space Wing, specifically the 1st Space Operations Squadron. [4] These activities included satellite emergencies, launch and early orbit, day-to-day routine operations and satellite disposal for the Global Positioning System and Defense Support Program satellites.[5] Up until 2007, 7 SOPS operated the Midcourse Space Experiment satellite, AFSPC's only space-based space surveillance asset and also performed booster launch operations mission, providing telemetry collection/data relay for Delta II launches.[6]
[edit] History[7]
The 7th Space Operations Squadron traces its lineage to the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron which was activated January 28, 1942, at MacDill Field, Tampa, FL. May 15 of that same year, it transferred to Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, CO. The squadron’s primary mission was to train men in the art of photo reconnaissance. While there it flew P-38s, F-4s and F-5s. In June 1942, their name was changed to the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron. In October 1943 the squadron moved to Will Rogers Field, OK.
In the 51 year heritage of the 7th, it has performed many roles from training pilots and technicians for photo reconnaissance to the 7th Liaison Squadron providing operations and logistical support for the Inter-American Geodetic Survey in the Panama Canal Zone. The 7th Special Operations Flight was deactivated in 1972 at Hurlburt Field, FL. The squadron was consolidated and redesignated the 27th Special Operations Squadron in 1985 but remained inactive until 7 SOPS was activated March 18, 1993, at Falcon (later, Schriever) AFB, becoming the first Reserve unit to augment Air Force Space Command.
[edit] Previous designations[8]
- 7th Space Operations Squadron (1 Jan 1993-Present)
- 27th Special Operations Squadron (19 Sep 1985-1993)
- 7th Special Operations Flight (18 Mar 1969-30 Apr 1974)
- 7th Liaison Squadron (8 Sep 1952-18 Jun 1954)
- 7th Liaison Flight (7 Oct 1949-8 Sep 1952)
- 7th Liaison Squadron (3 Nov 1945-28 Mar 1949)
- 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (11 Aug 1943-1 May 1944)
- 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (Light) (6 Feb 1943-11 Aug 1943)
- 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (9 Jun 1942-6 Feb 1943)
- 7th Photographic Squadron (19 Jan 1942-9 Jun 1942)
[edit] Assignments
- 310th Space Wing (2008 - Present)
- 310th Space Group (1 Sep 1997 - 2008)
- 302d Operations Group (1 May 1993 - 1 Sep 1997)
- 1st Special Operations Wing (1 Jul 1969 - 30 Apr 1974)
- 5700th Air Base Group (27 Oct 1949-8 Sep 1952)
- 1st Fighter Wing (1 Sep 1947-28 Mar 1949)
[edit] Bases stationed
- Schriever AFB, Colorado (1998-Present)
- Falcon AFB, Colorado (1993-1998)
- Hurlburt Field, Florida (???)
- Panama Canal Zone, Panama (???)
- Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma (Oct 1943-???)
- Peterson Field, Colorado (15 May 1942-Oct 1943)
- MacDill Field, Florida (28 Jan 1942-15 May 1942)
[edit] Aircraft & Spacecraft Operated[9]
- DSP (1993-2007)
- GPS (1993-2007)
- MSX (???-2008)[10]
- UH-1 (1971-1974)
- C-123 (1970-1973)
- U-10 (1969-1971)
- C-47 (1969-1970)
- L-20 (1952-1954)
- L-4 (1948-1949)
- L-13 (1947-1948)
- L-5 (1946-1952)
- B-25/F-10 (1942-1944)
- P-38/F-4 and F-5 (1942-1944)
[edit] Decorations
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- 4 Sep 1997-1 Nov 1998
- 1 Jul 1969-15 Apr 1971
[edit] References
- ^ Airman Magazine: "First in Space"
- ^ Citizen Airman: "Reservists fight war on terrorism with satellites"
- ^ Air Force Space Command News: "7th SOPS' mission takes new direction"
- ^ Citizen Airman: "A leading role: reservists perform diverse missions in support of war"
- ^ Air Force News: "Space units provide impact during OIF"
- ^ SpaceWar.com: "GPS Operators Unveil New Early-Orbit, Anomaly Resolution System"
- ^ PatriotFiles.com: 7th Space Operations Squadron History
- ^ Rogers, B. (2006). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. ISBN 1-85780-197-0
- ^ World Airpower Journal. (1992). US Air Force Air Power Directory. Aerospace Publishing: London, UK. ISBN 1-880588-01-3
- ^ Air Force Factsheet: 310th Space Wing, dated March 2008
[edit] External links
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