Space Orbital September 29, 2022

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Space Force photo by Dennis Rogers

PETERSON

| SCHRIEVER

Newly activated 544th ISRG welcomes units during ceremony

By Senior Airman Haley N. Blevins Space Base Delta 2 Public Affairs

BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, COLO. — e 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was activated Sept. 26, 2022 during an activation and realignment ceremony at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Lowry, Colorado.

Previously located at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., the 544th ISRG delivers global, space-related information to national agencies and war ghting commands, provides policy guidance and functional assistance to assigned organizations, and develops mission-based facilities and communication.

e 544th ISRG’s mission is to lead the Air Force in executing overhead signals intelligence, infrared operations and tradecra development to achieve mission

outcome success in all circumstances.

Signals intelligence plays a vital role in our national security by providing our leaders with critical information they need to defend our country, save lives, and advance U.S. goals and alliances globally.

is activation ceremony was more than a single group- realigning the 566th Intelligence Squadron and Detachment 1 from under the 373rd ISRG and into the 544th ISRG. ese realignments are one of many e cient ways our intelligence community remains ready across the intelligence space.

“ e 566th has its roots very deep in Buckley’s soil dating all the way back to 1944,” said Lt. Col. James Nolan, 566th IS commander. “Now we get to launch a new branch of those roots as we stand up the 544th ISRG. We are looking to make our predecessors of this group and squadrons proud and do the best for our

Airmen and Guardians going forward in the future.”

In addition to the realignment of the 566th IS and Detachment 1, two squadrons were reactivated under the 544th ISRG. e 26th IS was reactivated for the rst time since 2006 and the 18th IS was reactivated since its deactivation in 2020.

According to Col. Craig Miller, 70th ISR Wing commander- times are changing. e Air Force must continue to adapt to these ever-changing issues by identifying weak points and re ning them to remain a versatile force.

“ e change won’t be perfect, but we’ll adapt to balance risk to force and risk to mission,” said Miller. “ is change creates a synchronization in their work and an intimate understanding of the mission sets that are here at Aerospace Data Facility Colorado.”

Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political a liation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Space Base Delta 1 Public A airs O ce, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 219, Peterson SFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 5565185 or DSN 834-5185, fax (719) 556-7848 or DSN 834-7848. All photographs are Space Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shaun Combs

Members of the newly activated 544th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group stand at parade rest during the activation ceremony at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. The Air Force activation ceremony formally organizes, establishes and recognizes the legal entity of a new Air Force unit.

Space Force’s GPS operations squadron announces safeguards to civil PNT signal

By Mike Slater Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE , Colo. — Lt. Col. Robert Wray, 2nd Space Operations Squadron commander, announced his unit’s mission will include safeguarding civil Position, Navigation and Timing signals going forward during a presentation at the 62nd Meeting of the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee on Sept. 20, 2022.

e announcement represents a shi in how 2nd SOPS does business with other U.S. government agencies and users in general.

“We provide GPS to the world, not just to the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Wray. “So, it makes sense for us to support the larger section of government and non-government users.”

Wray unveiled 2nd SOPS’ new mission statement, which re ects the shi in operational mindset: Space war ghters delivering position, navigation, and timing to optimize civil, commercial, and international utility while employing Navigation Warfare to joint and coalition operations spanning all domains.

“I want to improve relationships with external partners, civil being chief among those,” said Wray. “2nd SOPS will need inputs from customers to codify their information needs. Our GPS War ghter Collaboration Cell is directly interacting with customers to get feedback on those needs.”

Wray also gave a glimpse into the future of how the Next Generation Operational Control Segment, or OCX, will enable 2nd SOPS to better meet its civil support goals.

“OCX will enable 2nd SOPS to command and control all the available distinct GPS signals: military code and the L1C, L2C and L5 civil signals,” said Wray. “We want to have our processes set before OCX is online, through collaboration and transparency with customers, partners and stakeholders. I want them to come see our ops oor, come see what we do, what we can o er, ask questions and share their needs.”

OCX is expected to be online in Fall of next year and will allow 2nd SOPS to provide the modernized, full spectrum of the GPS signals.

Peterson

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Schriever Space Force

Courtesy Graphic

The 2nd Space Operations Squadron’s mission will now include safeguarding civil Position, Navigation and Timing signals, a shift in how 2nd SOPS does business with other U.S. government agencies and users in general.

NextGen 2.0 helmets on the way to security forces across DAF

By Debbie Aragon Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas (AFNS) — Security forces Airmen at installations across the Department of the Air Force are set to don the Security Forces NextGen Helmet 2.0 later this year.

Following a recent contract award by the Air Force Security Forces Center, Helmet 2.0 includes the ability to mount a wider variety of accessories, features bolt-on accessory rails and a night vision goggle mount that’s easy to adjust or replace, and a chinstrap extender for gas masks.

e 2.0 e ort is part of AFSFC’s “replacement through attrition program,” and builds on the functionality of the SF NextGen 1.0 helmet released in 2020, said Master Sgt. John Sutherland, individual protective equipment program manager at the center.

“In modern society, we’re all familiar with the urge to update our phones to the latest and greatest model, but this hasn’t translated to some of the most important things in our profession, like ballistic helmets,” Sutherland said.

“ e rate of technological advancements today is astounding, and produces emerging threats and requirements rapidly,” Sutherland said. “As the world’s preeminent air power, we make great strides to update and upgrade airframes and other operational technologies, so it only makes sense to modernize the equipment used by those that defend them.”

Part of that modernization includes listening to and implementing, where possible, feedback from security forces Airmen across the enterprise.

“Feedback from the eld is critical and is actually the reason that some of the characteristics for the 2.0 helmet were developed,” Sutherland said. “No amount of testing or technical evaluations will cover everything because at the end of the day, only Defenders know what Defenders need.”

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

U.S. Air Force graphic by Greg Hand

The Air Force Security Forces Center is rolling out the NextGen 2.0 helmet later this year with several improvements to include bolt-on accessory rails and night vision goggle mount, a chinstrap extender for gas mask use and more accessory mounting options. The effort is part of the center’s “replace through attrition program” that builds on the functionality of the NextGen 1.0 helmet released in 2020.

“ e eld has multiple avenues of approach from surveys, direct visits to installations and open lines of communication like quarterly teleconferences and emails,” said Master Sgt. Raymond Santiago, AFSFC’s security forces individual equipment manager.

e AFSFC’s S-4 Individual Equipment section is a customer service entity and relies on the enterprise to provide feedback and submit issues, Santiago added.

“We can’t grow, if we don’t know,” he said.

“ e best way to get feedback from the eld is by putting our equipment through real-life practical scenarios that a Defender might face in every part of their career from year one all the way through retirement,” said Tech. Sgt. Travis Hillard, Defender instructor supervisor with the 343rd Training Squadron’s Security Forces Apprentice course in San Antonio.

Hillard, other instructors and students were instrumental in testing functionality before AFSFC gave the modi ed helmet the thumbs-up.

e Airmen put the helmets through “rigorous testing” conducted during eld training which included mounted and dismounted operations, low crawl/high crawl and a variety of other air base defense training objectives, Sutherland said.

“ ese helmets were soaked in sweat and caked in sand, and after hours of use, each tester was tted with a gas mask and jacket to ensure compatibility with the helmet,” he added.

Participants also completed an extensive survey on the equipment and its functionality.

e NextGen helmet program is just one part of the greater AFSFC’s individual protective equipment e ort to standardize and modernize security forces equipment across the Air and Space Forces.

“Helmet 2.0 is only one aspect of the initiative,” Sutherland said.

“

e Modular Scalable Vest and Female Body Armor … Model Defender which will provide equipment such as pouches, holsters, duty belts and more for each and every member. ese e orts ensure that Defenders can expect technologically relevant and high-quality gear no matter where they are performing their mission.”

“ e need to innovate gear is important for the protection of our Airmen and Guardians,” Santiago said.

Hilliard echoed those sentiments.

“It’s incredibly important to constantly update our equipment to meet both modern threats, and to best utilize the constantly upgrading technology available to security forces protecting installations around the globe,” he said.

Consistently rolling out new and updated equipment across the enterprise “helps create the elite weapon systems Defenders need to be in the modern operating environment.”

“ reats are increasing and evolving so it’s critical our team provides the enterprise with the latest technology to ensure mission capabilities aren’t hindered and our greatest of asset are protected,” Santiago said. “At AFSFC, we continue to collect feedback and upgrade Defender gear to defeat or deter any enemies that threaten our installations.”

“Helmet 2.0 is a big win for security forces but it only plays a part in bigger things to come for our Defenders,” he said. “We’ll continue these e orts with an agile approach while keeping an eye on emerging requirements and new technologies.”

“In ve years’ time, we may be elding IPE solutions that we’ve only seen in science ction a few years ago.”

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By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Del Oso 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, F la — e Defense Department honors the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made in defense of the nation during National Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Velazquez, a noncommissioned o cer in charge of mental health with the 325th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, works to ensure airmen with di erent cultural backgrounds feel heard, safe and at home.

Velazquez moved to the United States from Mexico City when his father’s career provided the opportunity.

“It was tough having to leave [friends behind] because at 10 years old, right, that’s your primary focus,” said Velazquez. “ e language barrier was probably my biggest challenge. Not only was I trying to make new friends, but I was also trying to learn a language.”

For many immigrants, the shock of being immersed in a vastly di erent culture can also be very intimidating.

“I expected for people to not be as inviting or kind, especially because I didn’t know the language,” explained Velazquez. “Everyone was always super welcoming and nice, even when I didn’t know [what they were saying] they would always try to help me. I’m very thankful for that because a lot of times when it comes to immigrants, whether they’re from Mexico or other countries, they’re not necessarily always accepted.”

Velazquez explained that although his transition into the U.S. came with a lot of challenges, it opened up a lot of opportunities, including the opportunity to join the Air Force.

“I had a couple of friends that had already started the enlistment process, and, when they started telling me about it, I was interested so I went to a recruiter to ask some more questions,” explained Velazquez.

Nine years later, Velazquez oversees an entire mental health flight. This involves managing patient care schedules, coordinating higher levels of care, deployment and PCS clearances, and maintaining a certi cation as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor.

“He’s taught me so many things that I can use as [a leader],” said Capt. Bethany Young, the squadron’s interim ight commander for mental health, the squadron’s interim ight commander for mental health. “He had so much patience for me when I got here. I feel like his background made him more prepared to have that patience with me and not get really frustrated when I didn’t know things. Instead, he helped guide me through di erent situations without making me feel incompetent,” Young said.

Velazquez also volunteers at the local elementary schools when they ask for bilingual speakers to read to children.

“A er talking to some of them, sometimes they feel super scared,” explained Velazquez. “ ey just

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don’t think they’re ever going to learn English, and I know I felt that way at one point, too. So, being able to talk to them and mentor them I think has been one of the more rewarding things I’ve been able to do.”

Peterson

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Schriever Space Force Base

National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, showcases and honors the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tiffany Del Oso

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Velazquez, 325th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron noncommissioned of cer in charge of mental health, poses for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 29, 2022. Velazquez, a member of the Hispanic Heritage Association at Tyndall, volunteered to share his story to bring awareness and participation to Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Everyone was always super welcoming and nice, even when I didn’t know [what they were saying]...”

“

USSPACECOM senior leader speaks to U.S. Air Force Academy cadets about defending the space domain

By Staff Writer U.S. Space Command

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott Stalker, U.S. Space Command, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visited the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo, Sept. 20, 2022.

Stalker spoke to a group of about 30 Air Force Academy cadets who represent the next generation of future Air and Space Force leaders. Stalker outlined U.S. Space Command’s primary mission sets to deliver global space capabilities to joint and combined forces and to protect and defend the space domain.

“ e space domain impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives, from navigation systems, to communications, and even the global economy,” said Stalker. “ e preservation and protection of our space network is crucial to our way of life.”

Also, Stalker discussed the future of space, to include partnering with commercial and interagency organizations, alongside all instruments of national power, to address our mutual challenges decreasing space debris and countering competitor activity.

“ e way he presented space was extremely motivating,” said Cadet 1st Class Khava Tsarni. “I was surprised on how o en we work with the commercial sector and the added capabilities that the private sector brings to our space mission.”

Stalker briefed the cadets on several

other topics as well, discussing elements of good leadership, and the importance of good character, as well as the integration of the joint forces in a combatant command.

“If we don’t develop our people, we won’t be able to deter, deliver, defend, or defeat with maximum e ectiveness,” said Stalker.

A er the event, several cadets provided their feedback and impressions.

“I really like how he focused on leadership,” said Cadet 1st Class Paulo Martinez-Riviere, who is studying to be a developmental engineer. “As a leader, you must maintain awareness of how your team is doing, and what each team member brings to the table, so that you can leverage all their skillsets for better e ect.”

“I agree with his message about developing and investing in people, and how this is critical to producing better leaders,” said Cadet 1st Class Keaton Koenig, a future pilot with dreams of getting a master’s degree in Aerospace Propulsion.

According to Statista.com there were 4,852 active arti cial satellites orbiting the Earth as of Jan. 1, 2022. U.S. Space Command projects over 100,000 additional commercial license requests for orbital satellites in the next decade.

“As global reliance on space continues to grow, U.S. Space Command will need the best and the brightest to defend the space domain to ensure there is never a day without space,” said Stalker.

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U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tsuyoshi Shinzato

Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott Stalker, U.S. Space Command, command senior enlisted leader, briefs cadets about the space domain at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sept. 20, 2022. He focused on leadership, joint force integration, and working with commercial and international partners.

FRONT RANGE NEWS

For more events, check out Facebook.com/SpaceBaseDelta1

SBD 1 ANNOUNCEMENTS

WANT TO ASK THE COMMANDER A QUESTION?

ere’s a number of methods available to ask your questions or voice your concerns to the Space Base Delta 1 commander.

Email: SBD1.PA.ActionLine@spaceforce.mil

App: “Questions?” feature on Peterson’s or Schriever’s AF apps

Website: “Contact” tab on the Peterson SFB or Schriever SFB websites

Your submission will remain anonymous on the app or website unless you click the “Contact Me” box and include your email address.

SBD 1 MOTORCYCLE RIDING CLUB

e SBD 1 motorcycle riding club is open to all riders a liated with Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB and Cheyenne Mountain SFS and is dedicated to supporting new and experienced riders while helping everyone become better and safer riders in the process.

e club is a place to share motorcycle related events, ride opportunities (big or small), or just network with other riders. ey also have the opportunity to participate in fun, skill-enhancing training activities, mentorship rides, riding skills contests and more!

POC: Master Sgt. Garrett Larson at garrett.larson.2@us.af.mil

U.S. SPACE FORCE TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

Gen. Raymond wishes to present a Certi cate of Transfer to all active-duty Guardians who transferred from another service up until Sept. 30, 2022.

If quali ed and you would like a certi cate please contact your Unit CSS, if you do not have a Unit CSS please contact the Military Personnel Flight via email 21fss.fsmpd.cd.wf@us.af.mil.

Details: https://mypers.af.mil/app/answers detail/a_id/51243

HISPANIC HERITAGE SHOWCASE

Everyone is invited to come out to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Who: Civilians & active duty

Where: Schriever SFB, Bldg. 300 - RA Auditorium

When: Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Why: SBD 1 celebrates and commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month.

is year’s theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” Unidos, roughly translated to mean united, connected, or close. e theme encourages us as a nation to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help us build stronger communities and a stronger nation.

POC: Ms. Tephanie Hopper, SBD 1 (Schriever) DEIA Coordinator, at 719-567-3346 or Hugo Escobar, SBD 1 (Peterson) DEIA Coordinator, at 719-567-0039.

Additional Information: Keynote Speaker - CMSgt Karmann Pogue. e HUB will o er a Hispanic Bu et for Purchase

21ST MDG ANNOUNCEMENTS

SBD 1 will continue to follow HHQ, DoD force health protection guidance, and state or county policy. is includes the continued requirement for mask wear while within medical facilities.

UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE GUIDANCE

Primary/Initial Series — P zer-BioNTech

• Available Fridays

• Ages 12 and older

• You must schedule an appt for your all doses.

• Your second dose should occur 21 days a er your rst dose. However, if necessary the second dose can occur 4 days early or up to 14 days a er the 21-day recommendation.

Primary/Initial Series — Moderna

• Available ursdays

• Ages 18 and up can receive the Moderna vaccine

• Your second dose should occur 28 days a er your rst dose. If necessary the second dose can occur 4 days early or up to 14 days a er the 21-day recommendation.

Booster/Additional Dose

P zer-BioNTech Booster vaccines are available on Fridays for ages 12 and older

Moderna booster is available for all bene ciaries ages 18 years and older on ursdays

Boosters are available if you meet the following criteria: Completed a primary/initial series

It has been at least 5 months a er completing Moderna/ P zer series OR at least 2 months a er receiving Janssen

Individuals may select which booster they would like by scheduling on the day that they are being o ered. Individuals may mix and match types a er completing initial series. No boosters are available for dependents under the age of 18 at this time. Second boosters are available for bene ciaries 50 and older or members who are moderately/severely immunocompromised with a script from their PCM.

ADULT COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS

Where: Immunizations, Peterson SFB Main Clinic:

559 Vincent St, Peterson SFB, CO 80914

Details: Visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/ COVAX/to make an appointment.

PEDIATRIC COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS

Who: Children ages 5-11 can receive the P zerBioNTech vaccine as long as legal guardian is present

What: 21 MDG is now providing pediatric P zer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. Just like in adults, 2 doses given 3 weeks apart are required for a child to be fully vaccinated.

Where: Immunizations, Peterson SFB Main Clinic: 559 Vincent St, Peterson SFB, CO 80914

Details: Visit https://informatics-stage.health.mil/ COVAX/ to make an appointment.

ALL VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE IN THE COMMUNITY

Visit the El Paso County Public Health Department website at elpasocountyhealth.org/how-can-i-get-a-vaccine.

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