50th Operations Group

The 50th Operations Group (50 OG) is a component of the 50th Space Wing, assigned to the United States Air Force Space Command. The group is stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

The group, designated the 50th Fighter Group during World War II, was assigned to Ninth Air Force in England, flying its first combat mission on 1 May 1944. During combat operations over Western Europe, the unit received two Distinguished Unit Citations before ending combat operations in May 1945.

Overview
The 50th Operations Group (OG) stood up at Falcon AFB 30 Jan. 1992, the same day as the 50th Space Wing. When 50th OG activated, its crews —formerly the crews of the 1002d Operations Group – monitored satellites during launch operations, maneuvered them into proper orbits and maintained their health in space.

It commands and controls, executes launch and early orbit operations, and provides operational support to more than 170 satellites which support the president, the secretary of defense, federal and civilian agencies and all U.S. and allied military forces. It comprises over 1,100 active duty, reserve, and civilian professionals, and provides operational leadership, trains space operations crews and provides standardization and evaluation to more than 500 space system operators.

The group's space operations centers perform 24-hour tracking, telemetry and commanding functions during launch, early-orbit and on-orbit spacecraft operations, as well as anomaly resolution and disposal.

Global Positioning System (GPS)
The group's 2nd SOPS provides precise, three-dimensional position, velocity and timing information to military and civilian users around the globe by operating the Navstar Global Positioning System, the military's largest and the world's most widely used satellite constellation. The squadron operates and maintains the Master Control Station at Schriever AFB and a worldwide network of GPS-dedicated ground antennas and monitoring stations to provide around-the-clock command and control of the 31-satellite constellation.

Assigned units
The 50 OG consists of the following squadrons:
 * 1st Space Operations Squadron (Defense Support Program, Midcourse Space Experiment)
 * Responsible for the Space Based Space Surveillance satellite, Advanced Technology Risk Reduction, Tactical Satellite 3 and Operationally Responsive Space 1. With SBSS and ATRR, 1 SOPS will operate the only on-orbit space-based space surveillance systems. In addition, 1 SOPS is the lead squadron for capitalizing on the operational potential of several developmental satellites as part of the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center with TacSat-3 providing hyperspectral imaging and ORS-1, the first satellite out of the Operationally Responsive Space initiative bringing electro-optical imaging capabilities to the war fighter


 * 2d Space Operations Squadron (Global Positioning System)
 * {rovides precise, three-dimensional position, velocity and timing information to military and civilian users around the globe by operating the Navstar Global Positioning System, the military's largest and the world's most widely-used satellite constellation. The squadron operates and maintains the Master Control Station at Schriever AFB and a worldwide network of GPS-dedicated ground antennas and monitoring stations to provide around-the-clock command and control of the 35-satellite constellation.


 * 3d Space Operations Squadron (Defense Satellite Communications System, Wideband Global SATCOM)
 * Conducts day-to-day command and control for the Defense Satellite Communications System providing wideband, longhaul communications capability for joint warfighters deployed around the globe. It also operates the Wideband Global SATCOM system which brings a 10-fold increase to worldwide communications capability.


 * 4th Space Operations Squadron (Milstar)
 * Responsible for day-to-day command and control, communications payload management and ground segment maintenance for the Air Force's protected Military Satellite Communications systems. The five satellite Milstar constellation, and soon the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite, are operated primarily by two fixed Constellation Control Stations (CCS) located on Schriever AFB and one fixed CCS on Vandenberg AFB, with an additional three mobile CCSs prepared for emergency, contingency or endurance missions. 4 SOPS provides warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communications during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict.


 * 50th Operations Support Squadron
 * Responsible for implementing operations and training policy for eight 50 OG, Guard and Reserve Associate units, over 500 CMR operators and seven unique DOD satellite systems. They are also responsible for processing the daily SPADO (Space Duty Order) and maintaining crew force management records for the largest crew force in AFSPC. The Squadron implements the space weapons and tactics program and integrates new satellite and ground control programs into current operations. It manages all aspects of training and equipping 50 OG members for deployments and the training program for all assigned AFSCs within the 50 OG.

History

 * For additional history, see 50th Space Wing

World War II
The 50th Pursuit Group was activated under the Northeast Air District at Selfridge Field, Michigan in January 1941. The group initially consisted of the Headquarters Squadron, 10th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor); 11th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) and 12th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor). It trained with BT-13 Valiant and second-line P-35 Guardsman pursuit fighters at Selfridge. The squadron was reassigned to the Southeast Air District in late 1941 where after the Pearl Harbor Attack it initially flew antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico. Issued P-40 Warhawks in 1942, it became a Operational, and later Replacement Training Unit (RTU) at Key Field, Mississippi under III Fighter Command. The 50th had the following operational squadrons:
 * 10th Pursuit Squadron
 * 81st Pursuit Squadron
 * 313th Pursuit Squadron

Night Fighter training unit
Night fighter combat over the skies of England made the USAAF aware of the need for night air defense training and tactics development. Third Air Force was ordered to develop a training program to produce pilots with night fighting skills in early 1942. The Air Defense Operational Training Unit was established on 26 March. A few days later this was renamed the Interceptor Command School. One of the units assigned to the school was the 50th Pursuit Group (Interceptor).

With 10th and 313th remained as pursuit fighter training squadrons with P-40s, the 81st was given the responsibilities of night fighter training operations. In July 1942, the 81st received one B-18 Bolo and a number of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, designated P-70s. By the end of September, the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) Night Fighter Department (Dark) was activated and the 81st Fighter Squadron was detached from the 50th FG and placed directly under the Department for training and operations. About 20 pilots were in the first class.

In October 1942, the personnel and equipment of the 81st were reassigned to the newly-formed 348th and 349th Night Fighter Squadrons, and returned to operational control of the 50th Fighter Group. The 50th FG remained a training squadron at AAFSAT until early 1944.

European Theater of Operations
Re-equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts, the group trained for operational combat missions and in April 1944, was deployed to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), being assigned to IX Fighter Command, 84th Fighter Wing, in England. The group's squadrons were given fuselage codes TS (10th), 2N (81st) and W3 (313th).

Its initial station in the UK was RAF Lymington. Lymington was a temporary airfield and a prototype for the type of temporary Advanced Landing Ground type airfield which would be built in France after D-Day, when the need advanced landing fields would become urgent as the Allied forces moved east across France and Germany. Tents were used for billeting and also for support facilities; an access road was built to the existing road infrastructure; a dump for supplies, ammunition, and gasoline drums, along with a drinkable water and minimal electrical grid for communications and station lighting.

The group began operations by making a fighter sweep over France on 1 May. It engaged primarily in escort and dive-bombing missions for the next month. The 50th covered the invasion beaches during the invasion of Normandy on 6 and 7 June, and moved to its Advanced Landing Ground at Carentan, France (ALG A-10) on 25 June.

On the continent, the 50th attacked bridges, roads, vehicles, railways, trains, gun emplacements, and marshalling yards during the Battle of Normandy. It bombed targets in the Saint-Lô region in July and supported the subsequent drive across France.

The group assisted in stemming the German offensive in the Saar-Hardt area early in January 1945, engaged in the offensive that reduced the Colmar bridgehead in January and February and supported the drive that breached the Siegfried Line and resulted in the movement of Allied forces into southern Germany in March and April.

The 50th Fighter Group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for close cooperation with Seventh Army in March during the assault on the Siegfried Line. In spite of the hazards of enemy opposition and difficult weather conditions, the group struck enemy defenses and isolated battle areas by destroying bridges, communications, supply areas, and ammunition dumps.

The 50th received second Distinguished Unit Citation for a mission on 25 April 1945 when, despite intense antiaircraft fire, the group destroyed or damaged many enemy aircraft on an airfield southeast of Munich.

The group ended operations at AAF Station Giebelstadt, Germany in May 1945, and returned to the United States in August. Assigned to Second Air Force at La Junta Army Air Field, Colorado. Was programmed for deployment to Okinawa to take part in planned Invasion of Japan. Training discontinued after Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the sudden end of the Pacific War and the group was inactivated on 7 November 1945.

50th Ftr Gp

Cold War
The 50th Fighter Group was reactivated as part of the postwar United States Air Force Reserve in 1 June 1949. The group was formed at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, and was assigned to the newly-formed 50th Fighter Wing upon activation under the Wing Base (Hobson) organization plan.

It trained in the Reserve between June 1949 and June 1951, being a corollary of the active duty 33d Fighter Group, using the 33d's equipment to carry out its mission. It was originally equipped with the F-51 Mustang the group's operational focus centered on keeping its aircrews well trained and ready. In January 1950, the group was redesignated 50th Fighter-Interceptor Group. Training activity included participating in portions of the 33rd Fighter-Interceptor Group's air defense missions and exercises. The group was ordered to active service on 1 June 1951 due to the Korean War, and its personnel and equipment were reassigned as replacements to active duty units. The 50th group was inactivated the next day, 2 June 1951.

On 1 January 1953, the 50th Fighter-Bomber Group (FBG) was reactivated as part of the active duty Tactical Air Command. The group was reactivated following Secretary of State John Foster Dulles' promise to provide NATO with four additional tactical fighter wings to increase its defenses against the Soviet Union due to the outbreak of the Cold War.

The 50th FBG initially took over second-line F-51 Mustangs of the Federalized 140th Fighter-Bomber Wing at Clovis AFB, New Mexico when the guard units returned to control of the Colorado, Utah and Wyoming Air National Guards. Operational squadrons of the 50th FBG were:
 * 10th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (dark blue stripes)
 * 81st Fighter-Bomber Squadron (yellow/black stripes)
 * 417th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (red stripes)

Although the 417th FS was not one of the 50th Fighter Group's original units, the squadron had been stationed with the group at AAF Giebelstadt, Germany, during the final days of World War II. Before long, the group replaced its propeller-driven Mustangs with jet-powered, F-86F Sabres. As the conversion to the F-86F continued in the spring and early summer of 1953, crews and maintenance personnel continued their training in the Sabre. Once training levels for pilots and aircrews had reached operational levels, the 50th FBG began preparations for its move to the newly-constructed Hahn Air Base, West Germany.

United States Air Forces in Europe
The 50th FBG deployed to Hahn on 10 August 1953, during Operation Fox Able 20. This marked the first mass flight of an entire tactical fighter wing from the United States to continental Europe. The ground echelon of the wing sailed from Galveston, Texas, to Bremerhaven, West Germany aboard the USNS General M. B. Stewart, From Bremerhaven, ground echelon moved by rail to its new home at Hahn AB, completing the journey in August 1953 and rejoined the air echelon.

At Hahn Air Base, the 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing was assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), Twelfth Air Force (12th Air Force). The 50th FBW became the first tactically operational Air Force wing in Twelfth Air Force's jurisdiction.

Arriving at Hahn AB, the 50th delayed unpacking all but its mission-critical cargo and put off other routine activities to participate immediately in Exercise Monte Carlo. The purpose of this staged combat employment drill was to illustrate the power and capability of the European allies' air defense forces. During the brief operation, 50th FBG's air crews flew 124 simulated aggressor combat sorties, including 52 in only four hours.

In line with a stepped-up training program, which USAFE initiated in 1954, 50th FBW aircrews spent six weeks at the Wheelus Air Base range in Tripoli, Libya, to improve their air-to-air combat and ground attack skills. Demonstrating their prowess in both facets of their mission, the F-86F crews of 50th FBW flew 3,062 effective sorties in those six weeks and scored higher in both air-to-air and air-to-ground events than any other unit assigned to 12th Air Force.

By 1955, USAFE had initiated an annual, command-wide aerial gunnery competition at the Wheelus Field ranges. During the first such event, held July 30, 1955, the "straight shooting" pilots of 50th FBG more than duplicated their achievements of the previous year, taking top honors in the command.

While the victory at the gunnery competition was still fresh, the group began modernizing its aircraft fleet. The first of the new F-86H Sabres arrived at Hahn AB Oct. 21, 1955. Conversion continued throughout the winter of 1955 and spring of 1956, ending in May.

New aircraft would not be the only change for the personnel of the 50th, however. With the conversion to the newer F-86H nearly complete on April 15, 1956, the wing began a move to Toul-Rosières Air Base, France. The 417th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, under the command of Lt. Col. Charles "Chuck" Yeager, was the first of the group's squadrons to relocate. This movement took most of the summer of that year.

The Group reported it was mission-ready at Toul-Rosiere August 1. Almost immediately, USAFE chose the 50th to represent the command at the Air Force Fighter Weapons Meet at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Personnel returned to more routine duties, training and participating in various air defense exercises. The sense of normality, however, was brief: The 50th Fighter-Bomber Group inactivated on 8 December 1957. USAFE reassigned the group's subordinate squadrons—the 10th, 81st and 417th Fighter Squadrons—directly to the wing. Similarly, the 50th Maintenance and Supply Group inactivated, and its squadrons were reassigned to the wing. Only the 50th Combat Support Group remained intact, later expanding its responsibilities to include transportation, comptroller and procurement functions.

Modern era
The 50th OG stood up at Falcon AFB 30 Jan. 1992, the same day as the 50th Space Wing. When 50th OG activated, its crews—formerly the crews of the 1002nd OG—monitored satellites during launch operations, maneuvered them into proper orbits and maintained their health in space

Lineage

 * Constituted as 50th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 20 November 1940
 * Activated on 15 January 1941
 * Redesignated: 50th Fighter Group on 15 May 1942
 * Redesignated: 50th Fighter Group (Special) on 28 May 1942
 * Redesignated: 50th Fighter Group (Single Engine) on 21 January 1944
 * Inactivated on 7 November 1945


 * Activated in the Reserve on 1 June 1949**
 * Redesignated 50th Fighter-Interceptor Group on 1 May 1950
 * Ordered to active service on 1 June 1951
 * Inactivated on 2 June 1951


 * Redesignated 50th Fighter-Bomber Group on 15 November 1952
 * Activated on 1 January 1953
 * Inactivated on 8 December 1957


 * Redesignated: 50th Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985 (remained inactive)
 * Redesignated: 50th Operations Group on 1 January 1992
 * Activated on 30 January 1992

Assignments

 * Southeast Air District, 15 January 1941
 * 22d Pursuit Wing, c. January 1941
 * III Interceptor Command, 2 October 1941
 * Fighter Command School (an activity), 28 May 1942
 * Fighter Command School (formerly, 5 Interceptor Command), 25 August 1942
 * Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (later, AAF Tactical Center), 22 January 1943
 * IX Air Support (later, IX Tactical Air) Command, 4 April 1944
 * Under operational control of 84th Fighter Wing, 7 April 1944


 * XII Tactical Air Command, 29 September 1944
 * Under operational control of 64th Fighter Wing, 29 September 1944-June 1945


 * Second Air Force, 4 August – 7 November 1945
 * 50th Fighter (later, 50th Fighter-Interceptor) Wing, 1 June 1949 – 2 January 1951
 * 50th Fighter-Bomber Wing, 1 January 1953 – 8 December 1957
 * 50th Space Wing, 30 January 1992–present

Components

 * 1st Space Operations Squadron: 30 January 1992–present
 * 2d Space Operations Squadron: 30 January 1992–present
 * 3d Space Operations Squadron: 30 January 1992–present
 * 4th Space Operations Squadron: 30 April 1992–present
 * 5th Space Operations Squadron: 22 November 1993 – 13 June 2000
 * 6th Space Operations Squadron: 31 July 1992 – 30 September 1998
 * 21st Space Operations Squadron: 7 June 1999 – 10 March 2004
 * 22d Space Operations Squadron: 2 June 1999 – 10 March 2004
 * 23d Space Operations Squadron3 June 1999 – 10 March 2004


 * 10th Pursuit (later, 10th Fighter; 10th Fighter-Bomber) Squadron (T5): 15 January 1941 – 7 November 1945; 1 January 1953-3 December 1957
 * 11th Pursuit Squadron: 15 January – 30 December 1941
 * 12th Pursuit (later, Fighter): 15 January 1941 – 18 August 1942
 * 81st Pursuit (later, 81st Fighter; 81st Fighter-Interceptor; 81st Fighter-Bomber) Squadron (2N): 15 January 1941 – 7 November 1945; 20 June 1949-2 June 1951; 1 January 1953 – 8 December 1957
 * 313th Pursuit (later, Fighter) Squadron (W3): 9 February 1942 – 7 November 1945
 * 417th Fighter-Bomber Squadron: 1 January 1953 – 8 December 1957
 * 445th Fighter Squadron: 24 February 1943 – 10 February 1944.

Stations

 * Selfridge Field, Michigan, 15 January 1941
 * Key Field, Mississippi, 3 October 1941
 * Orlando Army Air Base, Florida, 22 March 1943
 * Alachua Army Airfield, Florida, 20 November 1943
 * Orlando Army Air Base, Florida, 1 February – 13 March 1944
 * RAF Lymington (AAF-551), England, 5 April 1944
 * Carentan Airfield (A-10), France, 25 June 1944
 * Meautis Airfield (A-17), France, 16 August 1944
 * Orly Airfield (A-47), France, 4 September 1944
 * Laon/Couvron Airfield (A-70), France, 15 September 1944


 * Lyon-Bron Airport (Y-6), France, 28 September 1944
 * Toul/Ochey Airfield (A-96), France, 3 November 1944
 * Giebelstadt Airfield (Y-90), Germany, 20 April 1945
 * AAF Station Mannheim/Sandhofen, Germany, 21 May–June 1945
 * La Junta Army Air Field, Colorado, 4 August – 7 November 1945
 * Otis AFB, Massachusetts, 1 June 1949 – 2 June 1951
 * Clovis AFB, New Mexico, 1 January – 23 July 1953
 * Hahn Air Base, West Germany, 10 August 1953
 * Toul-Rosières Air Base, France, 17 July 1956
 * Hahn Air Base, West Germany (later Germany), 10 December 1959 – 30 September 1991
 * Falcon (later Schriever) Air Force Base, Colorado, 1 January 1992 – present

Awards

 * Distinguished Unit Citation
 * European Theater, 13 March 1945-20 March 1945
 * Germany, 25 April 1945


 * Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
 * 1 October 1998-30 September 2000
 * 1 October 2000-1 October 2001
 * 1 October 2001-1 October 2002
 * 2 October 2002-2 October 2003
 * 1 October 2007-30 September 2009


 * Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army, 6 June 1944-30 September 1944

Aircraft

 * BT-13 Valiant, 1941-1942
 * P-35 Guardsman, 1941-1942
 * P-40 Warhawk, 1942-1943
 * P-51 Mustang, 1943-1944
 * P-47 Thunderbolt, 1943-1945
 * F-51 Mustang, 1953
 * F-86 Sabre, 1953-1957