5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron
| 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron | |
| Country | United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Type | Space Electromagnetic Warfare |
| Part of | Space Delta 3 |
| Garrison/HQ | Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado |
| Motto(s) | I plea the fifth! |
| Decorations |  AFOUA |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Alexander Courtney |
| Notable commanders | John W. Raymond |
| Insignia | |
| Emblem of the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron |  |
The United States Space Force's 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (5 EWS) is a space electromagnetic warfare unit located at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
Mission
The mission of the 5 SSS was to operate the Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) system and Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) to gather space intelligence and track space systems in both near- and far-Earth orbits.
History
The dual LASS/DSTS operation supported USAF space intelligence requirements, while being assisted by the 18th Intelligence Squadron's Det 4 for SIGINT support.[1] This coverage augmented worldwide coverage of space signals activities at similarly equipped sites at Misawa AB, Japan, Osan AB, Republic of Korea and at Griffiss AFB in the United States.[2]
The Deep Space Tracking System uses sensitive, highly accurate 20-foot dish antennas to detect and track S-band radio signals transmitted by radio beacons on most satellites. There were DSTS receivers located at Griffiss AFB, New York; RAF Feltwell, Great Britain; and Misawa AB, Japan.[3]
The 5 SSS was inactivated in 2003, with administration of RAF Feltwell transferred to Detachment 4, 18th Intelligence Squadron.
On 15 April 2022, the 5th Space Control Squadron was redesignated the 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron.[4]
Previous designations
- 5th Space Control Squadron (2019–2022)
- 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (1989–2003)
Bases stationed
- RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom (1989–2003)
List of commanders
- Lt Col Alexander Courtney, June 2021 – Present
- Lt Col Susan Bedell, 10 October 2019 – June 2021[5]
- Lt Col John W. Raymond, April 2000 – June 2001[6]
- Lt Col John Amrine, June 1999 – July 2000[7]
- Lt Col Steven R. Prebeck, 28 September 1996 – ???[8]
- Lt Col James L. Burling, Jr., August 1994 – 28 September 1996
- Lt Col Ronald P. Mitchell, 1 October 1990 – ???
Equipment Operated
- Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) (1989–2003)
- Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) (1989–2003)
See also
- 1st Space Surveillance Squadron
- 3d Space Experimentation Squadron
- 18th Intelligence Squadron
- 21st Space Wing
Decorations
References
- ^ Richelson, Jeffrey (4 February 1999). Richelson, J. The US Intelligence Community, 4th Edition. ISBN 978-0-8133-6893-1.
- ^ "21st Space Wing [21st SW]". www.globalsecurity.org.
- ^ "SeeSat-L Jan-96 : US Space Surveillance Network". www.satobs.org.
- ^ "4th, 5th and 16th SPCS Re-designation".
- ^ "721st OG activated as USAF realigns to 'Protect and Defend' U.S. Space Capabilities". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil.
- ^ "Peterson-Schriever Garrison | USSF | Peterson Air Force Base". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009.
- ^ "Official Biography of Colonel Amrine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 30, 2007.
- ^ AFHRA FOIA Req 09-0061: 21st Space Wing Roster of Key Personnel (as of 31 December 1996)
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-10, 2001
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-97, 2000
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999
- ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997
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