The 2d Space Warning Squadron (2 SWS) is a United States Air Force missile warning squadron, located at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado.
MISSION
The mission of 2 SWS is to deliver global space-based missile warning to the U.S. and allied forces.
EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
2 SWS operates two satellite constellations in three orbital regimes, and its responsible for six ground stations across four countries and three continents.
HISTORY
The unit was constituted as 2d Space Communications Squadron (2 SCS) on May 1, 1992 and activated on May 15, 1992 then redesignated as 2 SWS on May 1, 1993.
In 2002, the MCS at Buckley AFB was completed as part of the transition from DSP to SBIRS. The consolidation of all DSP operations into the MCS and the activation of the facility in December 2001 was known as SBIRS Increment One. This was the critical first step in incorporating the remaining active DSP satellites with SBIRS HEO payloads and GEO satellites into a comprehensive system that allowed space operators to deliver global infrared surveillance, tracking, and missile warning for theater and homeland defense.
To operate the new HEO mission, the wing activated Detachment 1 of the 2 SWS on Jan. 1, 2006. This detachment controlled HEO operations from the Mission Control Station Backup (MCS-B) at Schriever AFB, Colorado, beginning on Oct. 2, 2007 in its new role to operate the latest SBIRS satellite payload, using a new sensor in HEO to provide an increase in warning time and accuracy.
The current SBIRS constellation provides data that allows 2 SWS members to report ballistic missiles and space launches, nuclear detonations, and infrared data with operational value to the President, Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commanders, intelligence agencies, and global warfighters.
On Dec. 20, 2019, United States Space Force was officially established and 2 SWS became a part of the newest branch of the United States Department of Defense. On July 24, 2020, the 2 SWS was transferred to Space Delta 4, Buckley AFB.