Space—the final frontier. For centuries, humanity has gazed up at the stars and dreamt of what lies beyond. Today, that dream is more tangible than ever, thanks to the United States Space Force (USSF). Established to protect and defend space assets, the Space Force represents a new era in military operations.
But where does USSF hang its hat and where are all the Guardians stationed? Are they in space? Well, a couple might be, but most are located at one of six Space Force bases (SFB) located throughout the United States. That is not to imply that all USSF Guardians are located only on these Space Force bases, but it is just a way to share that most Guardians are located at bases identified in this blog. Guardians, like all military personnel, are peppered throughout various units around the world.
The Birth of the Space Force
The Space Force was officially established on December 20, 2019, as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. Its primary mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. This includes everything from satellite communications to missile warning systems.
Why Space Force Bases Matter
Space Force bases are not just military installations; they are hubs of technological innovation and strategic importance. These bases house advanced equipment and highly specialized personnel.
Major Space Force Bases
Peterson Space Force Base
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Peterson Space Force Base is home to the USSF's Space Operations Command. Peterson shares runways with the Colorado Springs Airport and it is host to Space Base Delta 1. Peterson supports 111 mission partners, including North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Space Command, Space Operations Command and the 302nd Airlift Wing (Reserve). It additionally houses two major national security command centers (NORAD and NORTHCOM) and assists in carrying out their daily operations. The base plays a crucial role in space surveillance, missile warning, and satellite operations.
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Situated in California, Vandenberg Space Force Base is known for its space launch capabilities. This base is responsible for placing satellites into orbit and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles. Guardians with a background in aerospace, logistics, mechanics, or engineering can be found at Vandenberg. Vandenberg was also a former Air Force base. Vandenberg is home to Space Launch Delta 30, which oversees the Western Range and manages launch activities for the U.S. military, NASA and private space firms.
Patrick Space Force Base
Located in Florida, near Cocoa Beach, Patrick Space Force Base supports the Eastern Range for rocket launches. This base is also involved in satellite tracking and space surveillance. It is home to Space Launch Delta 45 which controls and operates Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as well as the Eastern Range. Additionally, SLD 45 deploys resources for flight safety, infrastructure, range instrumentation and launch support.
Buckley Space Force Base
Buckley Space Force Base is headquarters to the 460th Space Wing, a critical link in our nation’s network of space-based missile warning and infrared detection satellite operations. This wing provides commanders with global missile warning, situational awareness and warfighter needs for the U.S. Air Force and cross-service organizations and supports more than 80 partners both on and off base. Buckley is home to a large radome field. Radomes are large geodesic domes that are used to protect a variety of telemetry, tracking, and communications equipment. The Buckley SFB radomes, situated in clusters across the horizon, resemble giant golf balls. The base is also located in Aurora, Colorado.
Schriever Space Force Base
Schriever SFB is located 10 miles east of Colorado Springs and is home to the 310th Space Wing, the Space Innovation and Development Center and Missile Defense Agency. Its mission is to command cyber and space systems for global combat efforts, which include delivering precision navigation, timing and communications through command and control of Department of Defense (DoD) satellites.
Los Angeles Air Force Base
Granted, it is not a Space Force Base, but Los Angeles AFB is one of the key military installations used by USSF. Located in the greater Los Angeles area in El Segundo, California, it serves as headquarters to the Space Systems Command which is responsible for developing, testing and maintaining military satellite constellations and other Department of Defense space systems. It currently employs roughly 6,300 employees on-site and worldwide, including military, civilians and contractors.
USSF also operates eight Space Force stations in seven states and overseas in Greenland.
The Technological Edge
Advanced Surveillance Systems
Space Force bases are equipped with cutting-edge surveillance systems designed to monitor space activities. These systems help in detecting and tracking potential threats, ensuring the safety of U.S. assets in space.
Satellite Communications
Communication satellites are vital for military operations, providing secure and reliable communication channels. Space Force bases focus on maintaining and improving these satellite systems.
Missile Defense
One of the critical functions of the Space Force is missile defense. Bases like Vandenberg play a crucial role in testing and deploying missile defense systems.
The Future of Space Force Bases
Expanding Roles
As the Space Force continues to evolve, so too will the roles available at its bases. New technologies and missions will create additional opportunities for Guardians.
International Collaboration
Space is a global domain, and the Space Force collaborates with international allies to achieve its mission.
Family Support
The Space Force recognizes the importance of family support. Bases offer various programs and services to assist families, including childcare, education, and healthcare. Guardians can rest assured that their families will be well taken care of.
Conclusion
The establishment of the United States Space Force marks a new chapter in military history. For Guardians, this presents an exciting opportunity to continue serving in a cutting-edge, technologically advanced environment. Space Force bases offer a range of roles that leverage the unique skills and experiences of Guardians, from advanced surveillance systems to satellite communications and missile defense.