19th Space Operations Squadron

19th Space Operations Squadron
19th Space Operations Squadron emblem
Active	1967-1997; 2000-Present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Space Operations
Role	Combat Support
Part of	AFRES/10 AF/310th Space Wing
Garrison/HQ	Schriever AFB, Colorado
Motto(s)	IN PLACE-ON TIME-ON TARGET
Decorations	AFOUA

The 19th Space Operations Squadron (19 SOPS) is an Air Force Reserve space operations unit, located at Schriever AFB, Colorado.

Mission

Operated detection and tracking radar units to provide data on missile launches, deep space surveillance, and tactical warning, January 1967-July 1975 and October 1978-c. June 1997; not operational, July 1975-October 1978.

History

The 19th Space Operations Squadron (19 SOPS) was originally constituted as the 19th Surveillance Squadron (19 SS) and activated on 1 January 1967. The unit operated detection and tracking radar units to provide data on missile launches, deep space surveillance and tactical warning from 1967 until 1975. The squadron was not operational from July 1975 through October 1978, but regained its mission in late 1978. In 1992, the unit was redesignated the 19th Space Surveillance Squadron (19th SSS) until its inactivation, and subsequent closure of the Diyarbakir site in 1997.

Assignments

Major Command

• Air Force Reserve Command (2000–Present)
• Air Force Space Command (1983–1997)
• Strategic Air Command (1967–1983)
• Air Defense Command (1966–1967)

Numbered Air Force

• 14th Air Force (????)
• 14th Aerospace Force (30 April 1971-???)

Wing/Group

• 310th Space Wing (???-Present)
• 310th Space Group (1 October 2000-???)
• 21st Operations Group (1995–1997)
• 73d Space Group (1991–1995)
• 1st Space Wing (1983–1991)
• 73d Aerospace Surveillance Wing (1967–1983)

Previous Designations

• 19th Space Operations Squadron (1 May 2000–Present)
• 19th Space Surveillance Squadron (15 May 1992 – 16 June 1997)
• 19th Surveillance Squadron (1 November 1966 – 15 May 1992)

Locations

• Schriever AFB, Colorado (1 October 2000–Present)
• Pirinclik AS, Turkey (1 January 1967 – 16 June 1997)

Decorations

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
  • 1 August 2004 – 31 July 2006
  • 1 October 2002 – 30 July 2004
  • 1 October 1995 – 30 September 1997
  • 1 September 1989 – 31 August 1991
  • 1 May 1983 – 30 April 1984
  • 15 June 1972 – 14 June 1973

Equipment Operated

• GPS (2000–Present)
• AN/FPS-17 radar (1967–1997)

See also

• 2d Space Operations Squadron