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Free Relocation CD NORAD Peterson AFB Schriever AFB USAFA
Peterson Air Force Base - Missile Warning
Defense
Support Program (DSP) satellites and their associated ground systems
and personnel support the space–based early warning system. As the first
system to detect missile launches, DSP satellites are critical sensors
in the United States' and Canada's early warning system. DSP squadrons
send crucial missile and space launch detection and nuclear detonation
reports to NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command command centers at Cheyenne
Mountain AFS.
Members of the 21 SW operate and maintain a complex system of U.S. and
foreign–based radars that detect and track ballistic missile launches,
launches of new space systems, and provide data on foreign ballistic
missile events.
Today, ballistic missile warning is critically important to U.S. military
forces. At least 20 nations currently have nuclear, biological or chemical
weapons, and the technology to deliver them over long distances. According
to intelligence estimates, during the next 10 years, several Third World
countries will develop the technology and capability to launch intercontinental
ballistic missiles at the United States.
The 21st Operations Group manages all operation units in the 21st Space
Wing.
MISSILE
WARNING (space based, ground based)
The 21 OG provides space–based missile warning data, serving as a focal
point for transition to the Space–Based Infrared Satellite system, and
providing space communication data and relay.
21 OG space-based missile warning units:
The 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley AFB, CO., controls, receives,
processes and reports DSP mission information.
The 11 SWS, Schriever AFB, Colo., reached initial operational capability
in March 1995. The squadron uses data from DSP satellites as part of
the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater, or ALERT, system to
provide in-theater warning of tactical missiles and other threats in
direct support of warfighters worldwide. It is the first operational
missile warning unit to use technologies and procedures developed directly
from the lessons of Desert Storm. The squadron provides near instantaneous
accurate warning information on short–range ballistic missile launches.
The
137th Space Warning Squadron, Greeley, Colo., is a Colorado National
Guard asset that provides mobile DSP missile warning and reporting.
21 OG ground-based missile warning units
The wing's ground–based radars are comprised of a sea–launched ballistic
missile, or SLBM, warning system—PAVE PAWS; a Ballistic Missile Early
Warning System, or BMEWS; and a Perimeter Attack Radar Characterization
System, or PARCS.
SLBM warning units are the 6th SWS, Cape Cod AFS, Mass., and the 7th
SWS, Beale AFB, Calif. Their mission is mainly to watch America's coasts
for incoming sea–launched or intercontinental ballistic missiles, and
warn the appropriate authorities.
The wing's two BMEWS radar units are the 12th SWS, Thule AB, and the
13th SWS at Clear AFS. The 21st SW also has a detachment at RAF Fylingdales,
U.K., to coordinate cooperative missile warning and space surveillance
with RAF counterparts.
The wing's PARCS unit is the 10th SWS, Cavalier AFS, N.D.
RELATED INFO
Click here for Aegis
Missile Intercept Video 40 seconds
