Space Orbital November 10, 2022 (Last Issue)

Thank you for the support

By Emily Klinkenborg Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — is nal printed edition of the Space Orbital marks theend of one era and begins another.

ough the newspaper has had several name chang-es over its 60+ years in circulation, the purpose hasremained the same: getting the message through tothe Front Range.

Since the start of the Vietnam War, these editionshave covered events involving global issues, trainingevents, deployments, celebrations and family activities.

e coverage navigated through multiple base-renam-ing ceremonies as installations transferred from theU.S. Army to the U.S. Air Force and eventually theU.S. Space Force.

Technology has advanced the speed at which infor-mation is disseminated, and we must also adjust theways in which it’s published. Our e orts to inform thepublic will move from a tangible product to one thatsolely exists virtually – updated daily and accessibleanytime, everywhere.

We want to thank our audiences for following alongover the years, and we o er our sincere gratitude to thepublishing rms who have made this product possible.

To keep connected please visit us online at www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil and be sure to followus on social media.

Here’s to a new era of journalism.

DoD activates U.S. Space Command

By Staff Writer Peterson/Schriever Archives

Early winter temperatures greeted honored guests and visitors at the activation ceremony for the U.S. Space Command, a unified command for all four services, here Monday.

Despite the chilly weather, hundreds of officers, enlisted personnel and visitors from the from the Colorado Springs area, fi lled the stands across from the Ent building to watch the culmination of the Department of Defense efforts to establish a unified command that will centralize operations for space.

The new commander in chief of the command is Gen. Robert T. Herres, commander in chief, NORAD; and commander Air Force Space Command. Those three commands will be housed under one roof when the headquarters building is completed on Peterson. At present the newly-activated US. Space Command is located in the Chidlaw Building near downtown Colorado Springs.

Presiding at the ceremony, Chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., spoke to the assembly there of the need to prepare in order to ensure peace. He said that the military utilization of space is not a step toward a break in the peace. “Its mission is defense,” he said. “Our nation has no intent to attack anyone.”

General Herres spoke to the crowd briefly saying that, “As we give birth to this new command today, I am struck by the fact that its headquarters will stand at the foot of a spectacular mountain range, first sighted and explored only 179 years ago by an Army lieutenant.

In the ceremony itself the official flag for U.S. Space Command was unfurled by General Vessey who passed it to General Herres.

Also attending the ceremony were representatives of the four services including Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Riscassi, deputy commanding general, Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Navy Vice Adm. Robert Kirksey, director of Space And Control Pentagon; Air Force Lt. Gen.

Winfield W. Scott, the Air Force Academy superintendent, and Marine Lt. Gen. George Crist, the Pentagon’s Marine chief of staff.

In addition, 40 troops from each of the services stood in formation on the parade ground. Bands from Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy were there.

There was a 19-gun salute, courtesy of Army troops from Fort Carson, at the ceremony as well.

Rear Adm William E. Ramsey was named as deputy commander for the new unified command, which is the seventh unified command for American military forces.

The command will centralize responsibilities for more effective use of existing space systems. The Department of Defense uses space systems to preserve national security by performing such functions as communication, weather forecasting, navigation and warning. The command is intending to improve the use of current systems and to enhance planning for future use of those systems.

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

Enlisted representatives from all the services were in attendance.

Gen. Robert T. Herres accepts the U.S. Space Command flag.

Telephone abuse:

Keep hands on wallet and stripes

By Staff Writer Peterson/Schriever Archives

1974 — Practically everyone in the Air Force has heard the old saying, “The Air Force pays for the telephone system anyhow, so why not use it for personal use,” or, “I think I’ll call ole Joe at Podunk AFB - who’ll know it’s not official business?”

The fact of the matter is that Uncle Sam doesn’t necessarily foot the bill, and lots of people may know that your call is not, by any stretch of the imagination, official.

These points were recently validated at the local Air Force Base where a number of people paid dearly for abusing “that free telephone system that you can’t get caught using anyhow.”

It all started when an enterprising troop found out how easy it was to call just about anywhere he wanted on that “freebie-type” U.S. Government Telephone System. It wasn’t too long before other Airmen spread the word about how easy it was to place calls to anybody, anytime, and all for free.

So time passed and everyone was happy. Friends and relatives of the Air Force personnel were happy because “Johnny” was calling three to four times a week.

The communications officer eventually got mysterious long-distance bills. When Air Force personnel heard strange noises like “OSI statements”, “courts-martial”, “FBI

investigations”, and “assignment freezes”, the lights quit blinking at the switchboard.

As time progressed, rumors of more than 400 unauthorized telephone calls and bills totaling $1,260 were heard. Letters from home spoke of secret agents asking mom about “Johnny” calling home from Florida.

Before it was all done, the violators were in line at the credit union borrowing money to pay the government for those “free” telephone calls.

While the above may sound like a fictional tale, the entire story is tragically true. Air Force members found out the hard way that you can get caught abusing a military phone system.

Bringing it closer to home, the 47th Communications Group, Peterson Field, has recently collected more than $1000 from people placing unofficial, long-distance calls. Two people paid a total of $560 for exercising their index fi ngers on government telephones.

Enough evidence can be gathered to formally prosecute abusers under the UCMJ. Not only does a person have to foot the bill, but their squadron commander is notified necessary disciplinary action.

Want to make an unofficial, long-distance call over Uncle Sam‘s telephones? If so, keep both hands occupied … one on your wallet and on the other on your stripes.

CFC is for Veterans, Federal Employees and Retirees to donate directly to approved charities.

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a CFC Approved Charity, is a beacon of support for military, veterans and their families. CFC# 29284

This Veterans Day, please consider supporting Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center through the Combined Federal Campaign happening through January 7.

Through the power of partnerships, we join forces to give a hand up to those in need.

Schriever Space Force Base

“ While the above may sound like a fictional tale, the entire story is tragically true. Air Force members found out the hard way that you can get caught abusing a military phone system.

Peterson, Schriever, Cheyenne Mountain cultivate a new identity

By Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox Peterson-Schriever Garrison Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station received new names during the renaming ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 26, 2021.

The installations are now named Schriever Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station.

The bases’ names changed as part of the overall initiative by the Department of the Air Force to establish a unique identity and culture within the U.S. Space Force, and more accurately reflect the important space missions performed by Airmen and Guardians stationed there.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, presided over the ceremony, along with U.S. Space Force Col. Shay Warakomski, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander.

“Although we are celebrating our new designation as Space Force installations today, we are also honoring the rich history we’ve built here on the Front Range and in the Pikes Peak Region,” said Whiting. “Our ties and connections to the past are indelible as Peterson, Schriever and Cheyenne Mountain have long served as the heart, eyes and ears of our national security interest in space.”

Peterson SFB’s history, and it’s evolution from air defense to space warfighting missions, dates back to World War II. Peterson SFB has played a central role in U.S. and allied national defense for decades. Today, Peterson SFB maintains a mission centered on the ability to defy gravity for operations in the air and space domains.

Peterson SFB provides mission support to Space Operations Command, Space Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness, Space Delta 3 –Space Electronic Warfare and Space Delta 7 –Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

“It is incredibly important to illuminate

our past and to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have come before us, previous Guardians of the High Frontier, as well as recognize the community relationships both past and present that got us here today,” said Warakomski.

Like Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB has a rich history beginning in 1983. The base was previously named Falcon Air Force Station, an installation intended to provide a backup control node for support of existing and planned satellite constellations, and to house an operations support center for NASA’s space shuttle.

Schriever SFB’s current mission centering combat power for space is executed by Joint Task Force-Space Defense, Space Delta 6 – Cyberspace Operations, Space Delta 8 –Satellite Communications and Navigational Warfare and Space Delta 9 – Orbital Warfare.

The history of Cheyenne Mountain dates back to 1956, when the initial mission of Cheyenne Mountain was to protect the country

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U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox

Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station receive new names during the renaming ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 26, 2021. This action is part of the overall initiative by the Department of the Air Force to establish a unique identity and culture within the U.S. Space Force, the nation’s newest military branch, and more accurately reflect the important space missions performed by Airmen and Guardians stationed there.

against the Russian threat and has since evolved into what it is to today, serving as North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command’s Alternate Command Center and as a training site for crew qualification.

“We have to build upon the legacy and history, the civic relationships and all that has made Peterson, Schriever and Cheyenne Mountain great as we move forward with a vision for the future,” said Warakomski.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations...”

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of President Dwight D. Eisenhower this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The observance of Veterans Day not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

THANK YOU VETERANS

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander presides over the Schriever Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station renaming ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 26, 2021. During the ceremony, Whiting emphasis the significance of honoring all three installation’s histories.

U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox

U.S Space Force Lt. Gen Stephen A. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander and U.S. Space Force Col. Shay Warakomski, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander, stand at attention during the Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station renaming ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 26, 2021. Following the ceremony, the three locations adopted the monikers Schriever Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station.

302nd TAW hires first woman aircrew member

By Staff Writer 302nd Tactical Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1990 — Following the secretary of the Air Force’s approval to employ women as Air Force aircrew members, the 302nd Tactical Airlift Wing hired its first woman aircrew member on Jan. 7, 1990.

TSgt. Sue Moretz, 29, of Colorado Springs was hired as a flight engineer. The flight engineer is the crew member who sits directly behind the pilot and co-pilot and manages the various mechanical systems aboard the aircraft.

She currently serves the Air Force Reserve C-130 unit at Peterson as an aircraft and power plant me chanic. In civilian life, Sergeant Moretz works as an aircraft mechanic with Lear Jet Corporation, which is doing contract work at Peterson on C-21 aircraft for Detachment 4 of the 1401st Military Airlift Squadron. The squadron provides airlift support for general officers and other government executives.

SMSgt. Jimmie Vail, 302nd TAW chief flight engineer, said he was thrilled at landing Sergeant Moretz. She is perhaps the first such female crew member in the Air Force under a rule that allows women to be crew members on airdrop missions aboard C-130s, C-17s and C-141s, but not on low-lev el special operations missions.

“She has an outstanding background in aircraft maintenance, from the F-4 to the KC-10,” sergeant Vail said. “I’m not easily impressed, but I was with her from the start. She’s sharp.”

Sergeant Moretz spent over nine years on active duty with the Air Force and has served the past three years as an air reserve technician. ARTs are full-time Reserve members who are the glue that holds the unit together between training weekends

when drilling reservists come in once a month.

“I’ve really enjoyed my 12 years working with air crew members as a mechanic,” said Sergeant Moretz. “Flight engineer was the next step in my career progression, an opportunity for a new challenge,

for more travel, and a broader learning experience.”

She will attend basic flight engineering training for seven weeks at Atlus AFB, Okla., in May. From there, she will go to Little Rock AFB, Ark., for ad vanced flight engineer training.

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TSgt. Sue Moretz and SMSgt. Jimmie Vail check out the instrument panel of a C-130. Sergeant Moretz has made military history by being the first female to become an Air Force aircrew member.

Large crowd turns out for BX opening

By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, CO. — Less than an hour after the new Base Exchange opened June 6, 2007, Kristin Verhovec had already declared herself a fan.

Browsing large aisles stocked with everything from paper towels to iPods, Ms. Verhovec, whose husband is stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, said she’s already planning to be a frequent customer.

“I didn’t go to the old BX a lot, maybe once or twice a month,” she said. “I’ll defi nitely be coming here more often now, though.”

She’s likely not alone. A large crowd of shoppers lined up around the building for the BX grand opening, eager to get a glimpse of the new store as well as take advantage of opening-day sales and sweepstakes.

The steady stream of shoppers poured in throughout the day, greeted by Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders as well as AAFES employees, who handed out samples of chocolates and ice cream.

“I’m just amazed,” Maj. Gen. Bill Essex, commander of AAFES, told the crowd prior to the store’s opening. “I can see that you’re really ready for this store.”

The new 60,000 square-foot facility nearly doubles

the size of the old BX, which was last updated in the 1980s. It also features several new food court restaurants, including Taco Bell and Starbucks, and a market area with services such as a five-window pharmacy, a nail salon and barber shop, and a bank.

Base officials anticipate the new BX and commissary, which is slated to open Aug. 3, will draw roughly 5,000 customers a day once they’re both open - a mix of active duty servicemembers, reservists and family members, as well as many of the area’s retirees.

Retired Master Sgt. Barney Hunter said he plans on being one of them. After shopping at the old BX since 1990, he said he and his wife have been waiting eagerly for the new BX to arrive.

“The other BX parking lot was always crowded,” he said. “It was pretty small, the aisles were tiny and it never had much of a selection.”

Glancing at the sprawling rows of sunglasses, flatscreen TVs and designer hand bags around him, Mr. Hunter added, “I don’t think we’ll have that problem here.”

IS FOR VETERAN

When we’re thanked for our service we reflect on how we served.

The way we had to break in boots. The times we gathered up our nerve.

The nicknames that made us laugh. The smell of chili mac MREs.

The pride we felt with that first oath. The friendships that came to be.

So, at the game, when we’re asked to stand, it’s not applause that’s in my sight.

I’m looking around for you, my friend, to see who’s on my left and right.

Peterson Space Force Base

Schriever Space Force Base

U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Plummer

The new Peterson Base Exchange opened June 6 to a huge crowd of shoppers. The new 60,000-square-foot facility nearly doubles the size of the old BX. (From left) Dwayne Ochs, AAFES general manager, Col. Jay G. Santee, 21st SW commander, Maj. Gen. Bill Essex, AAFES commander, and Mike Friedman, Peterson BX manager, declared the store open.

Remember when...

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

21st Space Wing marks o cial change of leadership

By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The 21st Space Wing said goodbye to one commander while welcoming another at the base parade grounds June 28.

Hundreds of Airmen and base employees, along with several city and government officials, gathered to watch Col. Jay G. Santee, who has led the 21st Space Wing since 2004, pass command to Col. Jay Raymond. Colonel Santee leaves to become vice commander of 14th Air Force at Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

Speaking at the event, Maj. Gen. William Shelton, 14th Air Force commander, acknowledged it was a sad day for Colonel Santee, but he said it was also a joyful day, a chance to welcome Colonel Raymond.

“Th is is a time to celebrate,” he said. “It’s time to look to the future, to the next chapter in this wing’s storied history.”

Colonel Raymond is no stranger to the wing or Peterson, though. He’s served here three times, most recently from June 2001 to July 2002 as the 21st Operations Group deputy commander.

Leaving his position as operations group commander for the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg, Colonel Raymond said he was glad to be back in Colorado for a fourth time.

“It is indeed a privilege to be back in the shadows of Pikes Peak and to call Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base my home,” he said. “The city of Colorado Springs provides such outstanding support to our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, civilians, contractors and their families who are assigned here, and I look forward to continuing this outstanding relationship.”

But there will be challenges ahead for the new commander, General Shelton said. Colonel Raymond will have to continue to prepare Airmen for deployment, work on improving base infrastructure and deal with constantly evolving threats - all with a decreasing budget and fewer Airmen.

Colonel Raymond said he and the wing are up for the challenge, though, and encouraged all base employees to strive for flawless operations as a standard, not a goal.

“We must foster a culture that relentlessly strives for excellence and ensure the only thing that surpasses our professional competence is our zeal and passion for perfect mission accomplishment,” he said.

Colonel Raymond’s goals have already earned

him one fan - Colonel Santee, who told the crowd he’s sure Colonel Raymond and the wing will continue to work hard to “Save the Nation” even after he’s gone.

“I’ve been dreading these fi nal words for quite awhile, and I’ve been dreading them because it’s very hard to leave the men and women of this wing,” Colonel Santee said. “The only thing that gives me solace is that I’m leaving behind another great leader in Colonel Raymond.”

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

U.S. Air Force photo by Rob Bussard Maj. Gen. William Shelton, commander of the 14th Air Force, passes the colors to Col. Jay Raymond, incoming 21st Space Wing commander, during the 21st SW change of command ceremony June 28. Colonel Raymond arrives here from Vandenberg AFB, California, where he was commander of the 30th Operations Group.

This is a time to celebrate, It’s time to look to the future, to the next chapter in this wing’s storied history.”

— Maj. Gen. William Shelton, 14th Air Force commander

ABU wear policy effective immediately

By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — Air Force officials at the Pentagon released the wear policy for the new Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) Feb. 7, 2007.

The policy comes in time to help many of the Airmen deploying to the AOR in May, as these Airmen will be among the first to get the ABU.

Further ABU distribution plans will be based on pro duction capability.

The new policy addresses uniform care, uniform wear, uniform accessories, and use of tactical items that don’t match the ABU’s color pattern.

From the beginning of the utility uniform redesign process, Air Force leaders have said they hoped to make it easier for Airmen to take care of their uniforms. The uniform care instructions in the new policy reflect the emphasis on ease of care. Generally, the policy indicates that the uniform should be wash and wear.

“Wash in warm water ... tumble dry, permanent press cycle, remove immediately from dryer and fold flat or place on rustproof hanger,” the instruction recommends. It also says the uniform could be air dried on a hanger.

According to the new policy, the ABU is not to be starched or “hot pressed” in a commercial laundry.

According to the new policy, Airmen will wear “sand colored” T-shirts under their ABU coat. The T-shirts may be v-neck, crew neck or “athletic style.” Additionally, Airmen may wear self-purchased T-shirts made of material other than what is issued. Specifically, “moisture wicking fabrics” and “cotton/poly blends” are authorized as long as they are

sand colored and the manufacturer’s logo is not visible.

The Air Force has chosen to use the Army universal camouflage pattern for tactical items. The policy authorizes AOR wear or use of tactical items and field items only in the Army universal camouflage pattern or the desert camouflage uniform pattern. Tactical items include such things as body armor, modular lightweight load-carrying equipment, canteen covers, helmet covers, etc.

Tan combat boots are authorized with the ABU until the “foliage green” boots become available. The phase out date for the tan boot and the mandatory wear date for the green boot have not yet been set. The mandatory wear date for the ABU -- the date when all Airmen should be wearing the uniform -- is Oct. 1, 2011.

Some other information about the ABU:

No wing or squadron patches will be worn on the ABU. Only functional, duty and occupational badges are authorized on the ABU.

Organizational baseball hats are not authorized with the ABU. Only the ABU hat (looks like the current BDU style with the ABU print) and currently au thorized; berets will still be allowed.

The ABU has 236 sizes (118 trousers and 118 blouses) that will accommodate both men and women, un like the 57 sizes of the current BDU, and will follow commercial clothing standards. The most common sizes will be available on AAFES shelves and the total 236 sizes will be available by order through AAFES.

The green suede boots will come in women’s sizes unlike the current black boot in the Air Force in ventory, which does not.

The ABU has an estimated wear life of 12 months.

Peterson Space Force Base SPACE ORBITAL Schriever Space Force Base

U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Plummer

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley answers questions during an enlisted call with Airmen Dec. 13 at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Chief McKinley is wearing the new Airman Battle Uniform and Air Force officials released the wear policy for the uniform Feb. 7.

SBD 1 ANNOUNCEMENTS

WANT TO ASK THE COMMANDER A QUESTION?

SBD 1 HOLDS READINESS EXERCISE

Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station personnel will conduct readiness exercises.

When: Nov. 14 - 18

Exercise scenarios will impact the bases on different days. Those traveling on and off the base may also experience temporary gate closures or other delays. Army & Air Force exchange service facilities plan to remain open throughout the event.

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