5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron

The United States Space Force's 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (5 EWS) is a space electromagnetic warfare unit located at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron
Emblem of the 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron
CountryUnited States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeSpace Electromagnetic Warfare
Part ofSpace Delta 3
Garrison/HQPeterson Space Force Base, Colorado
Motto(s)We plea the fifth!
Decorations AFOUA
Commanders
Current
commander
Lt Col Andy Wang
Notable
commanders
John W. Raymond
Insignia
Emblem of the 5th Space Surveillance Squadron

Mission

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The mission of the 5 EWS is to provide flexible and responsive space control capabilities to the Commander U.S. Space Command in order to protect and defend national security space capabilities.

History

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The dual LASS/DSTS operation supported USAF space intelligence requirements, while being assisted by the 18th Intelligence Squadron's Det 4 for SIGINT support.[1] This coverage augmented worldwide coverage of space signals activities at similarly equipped sites at Misawa AB, Japan, Osan AB, Republic of Korea and at Griffiss AFB in the United States.[2]

The Deep Space Tracking System uses sensitive, highly accurate 20-foot dish antennas to detect and track S-band radio signals transmitted by radio beacons on most satellites. There were DSTS receivers located at Griffiss AFB, New York; RAF Feltwell, Great Britain; and Misawa AB, Japan.[3]

The 5 SSS was inactivated in 2003, with administration of RAF Feltwell transferred to Detachment 4, 18th Intelligence Squadron.

On 15 April 2022, the 5th Space Control Squadron was redesignated the 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron.[4]

Previous designations

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  • 5th Space Control Squadron (2019–2022)
  • 5th Space Surveillance Squadron (1989–2003)

Bases stationed

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List of commanders

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  • Lt Col Ronald P. Mitchell, 1 October 1990 – ???
  • Lt Col James L. Burling, Jr., August 1994 – 28 September 1996
  • Lt Col Steven R. Prebeck, 28 September 1996 – ???[5]
  • Lt Col John Amrine, June 1999 – July 2000[6]
  • Lt Col John W. Raymond, April 2000 – June 2001[7]
  • Lt Col Susan Bedell, 10 October 2019 – June 2021[8]
  • Lt Col Alexander Courtney, June 2021 – June 2023[9]
  • Lt Col Andy Wang, June 2023 – present[10]

Equipment operated

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  • Low Altitude Space Surveillance (LASS) (1989–2003)
  • Deep Space Tracking System (DSTS) (1989–2003)

See also

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Decorations

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References

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  1. ^ Richelson, Jeffrey (4 February 1999). Richelson, J. The US Intelligence Community, 4th Edition. Avalon. ISBN 978-0-8133-6893-1.
  2. ^ "21st Space Wing [21st SW]". www.globalsecurity.org.
  3. ^ "SeeSat-L Jan-96 : US Space Surveillance Network". www.satobs.org.
  4. ^ "4th, 5th and 16th SPCS Re-designation".
  5. ^ AFHRA FOIA Req 09-0061: 21st Space Wing Roster of Key Personnel (as of 31 December 1996)
  6. ^ "Official Biography of Colonel Amrine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2007.
  7. ^ "Peterson-Schriever Garrison | USSF | Peterson Air Force Base". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil. Archived from the original on 16 January 2009.
  8. ^ "721st OG activated as USAF realigns to 'Protect and Defend' U.S. Space Capabilities". www.peterson.spaceforce.mil.
  9. ^ "4th, 5th and 16th SPCS Re-designation".
  10. ^ Andy Wang LinkedIn Profile [user-generated source]
  11. ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-10, 2001
  12. ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-97, 2000
  13. ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
  14. ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999
  15. ^ AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997