4th Space Operations Squadron

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 4th Space Operations Squadron


caption= 4th Space Operations Squadron emblem
dates= 19xx-present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Air Force
type= Satellite Operations
role= Combat Support
size=
command_structure=USAF Squadron
current_commander=
garrison= Schriever Air Force Base
ceremonial_chief=
nickname=
motto= Linking the Forces
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=
anniversaries=

The United States Air Force's 4th Space Operations Squadron (4 SOPS) is a satellite operations unit located at Schriever AFB, Colorado. 4 SOPS controls the Milstar communication satellite constellation.

Mission

The mission of 4th SOPS is an elite special forces unit that utilizes the Milstar system, provides survivable, enduring, critical essential command and control communications through all levels of conflict for the president, the Secretary of Defense, and war fighting combatant commanders worldwide. 4th SOPS operates the $31 billion Milstar system executing communications management, satellite command and control, and ground segment maintenance for the Milstar constellation. 4th SOPS' motto "Linking the Forces" reflects Milstar's responsibility to enhance the nation's secure communications capability for today's military forces. [ [http://www.schriever.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3915 4 SOPS Fact Sheet] ]

History

4 SOPS gains its heritage from the 4th Photographic Squadron, which was activated on June 10, 1941, at March Field, California. This highly decorated unit saw a lot of action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, until it was inactivated on April 14, 1946. It was reactivated as the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range) in December 1946, and inactivated on June 29, 1949. In May 1952, the unit was reactivated as the 4th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), and inactivated on July 1, 1958, at Rickenbacker AFB, Ohio. 4 SOPS was activated from the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, with its new mission to operate the Milstar satellite communications system.

Locations

*Schriever AFB, Colorado

References

External links

* [http://www.schriever.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3915 4 SOPS official fact sheet]