6th Space Operations Squadron

The 6th Space Operations Squadron (6 SOPS) is an Air Force Reserve satellite command and control squadron located at Schriever AFB, Colorado. 6 SOPS is a backup to NOAA for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program operations.

History
In May 1983, the 4000th Satellite Operations Group at Offutt AFB was transferred to the newly formed Air Force Space Command under the 1st Space Wing and was given a new designation, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group ('One Grand'). The group reorganized to align itself with the structure of the 2d Space Wing in 1985. In May 1989, Detachment 1 at Fairchild AFB, Washington, was upgraded to squadron status, becoming the 5th Satellite Control Squadron. In July 1992, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group downsized to a squadron-level organization, becoming the 6th Space Operations Squadron. The unit was still a Regular Air Force unit located in Omaha, NE.

In 1994, President William Clinton signed a bill that would merge federal weather programs. Prior to the merge, federal programs were deemed to be redundant. This merger would save the government money and allow one entity to control national weather products. The merger would move weather operations to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) located in Suitland, MD.

Major Command

 * Air Force Reserve Command (1998 – present)
 * Air Force Space Command (1983–1998)

Wing/Group

 * 310th Space Wing (???-Present)
 * 310th Space Group (???-???)
 * 50th Space Wing (???-???)
 * 1st Space Wing (???-???)

Detachments

 * 1000th SOG, Detachment 1 – Fairchild AFB, Washington (1983–1989)
 * 1000th SOG, Detachment 2 – Loring AFB, Maine (1983–1992)

Previous designations

 * 6th Space Operations Squadron (July 1992-11 Jun 1998; 30 Sep 1998 – present)
 * 1000th Satellite Operations Group (1983–1992)

Bases stationed

 * Schriever AFB, CO (1998 – present)
 * Offutt AFB, NE (1983–1998)

Commanders

 * Lt Col Jody Merritt (2012–present)
 * Lt Col Michael DiTondo (2008 – 2012)
 * Lt Col Byron Hays (2006–2008)
 * Lt Col Mark Hustedt
 * Lt Col Kevin Kiser
 * Lt Col Keith Amburgey

Spacecraft flown

 * Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) (1983–1998; 1998 – present)