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Mission Delta 3

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Mission Delta 3
DEL 3 emblem
Founded1 January 1967; 57 years ago (1967-01-01)
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeDelta
RoleElectromagnetic warfare
Size350 personnel[1]
Part of Space Operations Command
HeadquartersPeterson Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S.
Websitewww.peterson.spaceforce.mil/Units/Space-Delta-3/
Commanders
CommanderCol Nicole M. Petrucci
Deputy CommanderLt Col John Kolb[1]
Senior Enlisted LeaderCMSgt Kevin R. Pfister[2]
Insignia
Guidon

Mission Delta 3 (MD3) is a United States Space Force unit responsible for presenting operational combat-ready electromagnetic warfare forces in support of assigned missions.[3] It is headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base.[4][5][6][7]

Activated on 24 July 2020, it replaced the former 21st Space Wing's 721st Operations Group upon establishment.[8] The 721st Operations Group was activated on 10 October 2019 partly by realigning units from the former 21st Operations Group to focus securing the electromagnetic spectrum for national security space operations.[9] In 2024 it was redesignated Mission Delta 3 and gained sustainment responsibilities, along with organic cyber defense and intelligence forces.[10]

History

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On 1 January 1967 the 73d Aerospace Surveillance Wing, joined the 71st Surveillance Wing as one of the two wings in Air Defense Command's 9th Aerospace Defense Division, which was responsible for the Air Force's contribution to the defense of North America to space oriented attack. It was first organized at Ent Air Force Base, Colorado. The 71st Wing, which was soon renamed the 71st Missile Warning Wing,[11] was responsible for the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, while the 73rd focused on space based systems. The wing's operational elements were the 16th Surveillance Squadron at Shemya Air Force Station, Alaska,[12] the 17th Surveillance Squadron at Moorestown Air Force Station, New Jersey,[13] the 18th Surveillance Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California. the 19th Surveillance Squadron at Pirinclik Air Station, Turkey[14] and the 20th Surveillance Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, all organized the same day as the wing. Like the wing, the component squadrons were to be activated as "aerospace" surveillance squadrons. However, on 3 January 1967, the decision was made to retroactively drop the "aerospace" from the squadron names.[15] Sensor operations included the Spacetrack System.[13] The wing was inactivated in April 1971.

The 73rd was reactivated on 1 March 1989 as the 73d Space Surveillance Group. On 1 October 1992, Detachment 3 at Misawa Air Base, Japan (which had been added on 1 January 1991) was expanded to form the 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron.[16] Its last assignment was with Fourteenth Air Force, being stationed at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado. It was inactivated on 26 April 1995.

The Group performed space surveillance. In April 1995 the 73d Space Surveillance Group merged with the 21st Space Wing. From that point the 21st became the largest wing in the United States Air Force with units deployed throughout the world.

In December 2021, DEL 3 was awarded as the best delta in Space Operations Command.[17] The delta's three operational units were redesignated as electromagnetic warfare squadrons on April 15, 2022.[18]

In September 2023, General B. Chance Saltzman introduced the integrated mission delta (IMD) construct which combines different functions, like operations, training, intelligence, and cyber effects, into specific mission areas, including electromagnetic warfare. DEL 3 was one of two initial units announced to test the construct. These IMDs mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense.[19][20] In October 2023, the 23rd Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron was activated.[21] In 2024 it was redesignated Mission Delta 3 and gained sustainment responsibilities, along with organic cyber defense and intelligence forces.[22]

Structure

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DEL 3 is a component of Space Operations Command, one of eight deltas aligned under the field command. It is composed of the 3rd Combat Training Squadron, which provides advanced training to the delta's members, and three operational units, the 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, and 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron. It is also augmented by four Air National Guard units, the 114th Space Control Squadron, 138th Space Control Squadron, 216th Space Control Squadron, and 293rd Space Control Squadron, and the Air Force Reserve's 380th Space Control Squadron[23]

It plans to add a defensive electromagnetic warfare unit in Guam.[23]

Emblem Name[24] Function Headquarters
Squadrons
3rd Combat Training Squadron (3 CTS) Operational training and certification, tactics development, engineering support, and crew force management Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (4 EWS) Electromagnetic warfare Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (5 EWS) Electromagnetic warfare Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (16 EWS) Electromagnetic warfare Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
23rd Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (23 EWS)[21] Electromagnetic warfare Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron (ISRS (P))[21] Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance

Lineage

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  • Established as the 73d Aerospace Surveillance Wing and activated on 1 November 1966
Organized on 1 January 1967[25]
Inactivated on 30 April 1971[25]
  • Redesignated 73d Space Surveillance Group on 10 February 1989
Activated on 1 March 1989
Redesignated 73d Space Wing on 1 June 1991
Redesignated 73d Space Group on 1 May 1992
Inactivated on 26 April 1995

Assignments

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Stations

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Components 1967-1995

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  • 1st Command and Control Squadron: 28 February 1992 – 24 June 1994[28]
  • 1st Deep Surveillance Squadron (later, 1st Surveillance Squadron, 1st Space Surveillance Squadron: 1 April 1989 – 26 April 1995
  • 3rd Space Surveillance Squadron: 1 October 1992 – 26 April 1995[16]
  • 4th Surveillance Squadron (later 4th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 October 1990 – 26 April 1995
  • 5th Surveillance Squadron (later 5th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 October 1990 – 26 April 1995
  • 16th Surveillance Squadron (later 16th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 30 April 1971, 1 September 1991 – 1 October 1994[12]
  • 17th Surveillance Squadron (later 17th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 31 December 1969, 15 November 1993 – 26 April 1995[13]
  • 18th Surveillance Squadron (later 18th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 30 April 1971, 1 July 1991 – 26 April 1995
  • 19th Surveillance Squadron (later 19th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 30 April 1971, 1 October 1991 – 26 April 1995[14]
  • 20th Surveillance Squadron (later 20th Space Surveillance Squadron): 1 January 1967 – 30 April 1971, 1 August 1991 – 26 April 1995
  • 73d Operations Support Squadron: 15 May 1992 – 26 April 1995
  • 73d Support Squadron (later 73d Mission Support Squadron): 15 May 1992 – 26 April 1995

Detachments

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  • Detachment 1 – San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, Italy (1 October 1989 – 1 October 1990)[29]
  • Detachment 2 – RAF Feltwell, United Kingdom (1 October 1989 – 1 October 1990)
  • Detachment 3: Misawa Air Base, Japan (1 January 1991 – 1 October 1992)

List of commanders

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No. Commander Term Ref
Portrait Name Took office Left office Duration
1
John G. Thien
Thien, John G.Colonel
John G. Thien		24 July 202031 July 20211 year, 7 days[30]
2
Christopher A. Fernengel
Fernengel, Christopher A.Colonel
Christopher A. Fernengel		31 July 202129 June 20231 year, 333 days[31][32]
3
Nicole M. Petrucci
Petrucci, Nicole M.Colonel
Nicole M. Petrucci		29 June 2023Incumbent1 year, 125 days[33][34]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Space Delta 3 focuses on electromagnetic spectrum". United States Space Command. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Kevin R. Pfister".
  3. ^ "Space Delta 3". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  4. ^ "Space Delta 3 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Peterson Air Force Base. 24 July 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ^ "Space Force reorganizes former Air Force space wings into "Deltas" and "Garrisons"". SpaceNews. 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Space Delta 3". www.peterson.af.mil. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  7. ^ "Space Force Announces Significant Reorganization". Air Force Magazine. 24 July 2020. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  8. ^ "Peterson-Schriever Garrison | USSF | Peterson Air Force Base". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  9. ^ "721st OG activated as USAF realigns to 'Protect and Defend' U.S. Space Capabilities". Peterson Air Force Base. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  10. ^ https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3952582/two-dels-transition-to-fully-integrated-mission-deltas
  11. ^ Ravenstein, p. 111
  12. ^ a b Robertson, Patsy (13 July 2009). "Factsheet 16 Space Control Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  13. ^ a b c Robertson, Patsy (8 February 2010). "Factsheet 17 Expeditionary Space Control Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  14. ^ a b Haulman, Daniel L. (28 December 2010). "Factsheet 19 Space Operations Squadron (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  15. ^ Cornett & Johnson, pp. 149-150.
  16. ^ a b Butler, William M. (17 December 2015). "Factsheet 3 Space Experimentation Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  17. ^ "DEL 3 receives "Best Mission Delta"". Space Operations Command (SpOC). Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  18. ^ "4th, 5th and 16th SPCS Re-designation". Peterson Space Force Base. Archived from the original on 23 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  19. ^ "Space Force announces Integrated Mission Delta construct to optimize for Great Power Compe". United States Space Force. 12 September 2023.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  20. ^ "WORLD: Space". Air & Space Forces Magazine.
  21. ^ a b c "Space Delta 3 activates 23d Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron". Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base. 27 October 2023. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  22. ^ https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3952582/two-dels-transition-to-fully-integrated-mission-deltas
  23. ^ a b "DEL 3 updates focus and priorities". Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  24. ^ "Space Delta 3". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 10 November 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  25. ^ a b c d e Cornett & Johnson, p. 62.
  26. ^ Bailey, Carl E. (24 July 2008). "Factsheet Air Force Space Command (USAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  27. ^ Mueller, p. 565
  28. ^ Haulman, Daniel L. (15 April 2008). "Factsheet 1 Space Control Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  29. ^ Air Force Historical Research Agency: Supplement to 73d Space Group Lineage and Honors, 1 November 2009
  30. ^ "COLONEL JOHN G. THIEN". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  31. ^ "Space Delta 3 Changes Command". 30 July 2021. Archived from the original on 31 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  32. ^ "COLONEL CHRISTOPHER A. FERNENGEL". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 31 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  33. ^ "Col. Nicole Petrucci assumes command of Delta 3". Space Base Delta 1. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  34. ^ "COLONEL NICOLE M. PETRUCCI". Space Base Delta 1. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.

Bibliography

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Space Delta 3.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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