New standardized space trainer opens

From left to right, Col. DeAnna Burt, 460th Operations Group commander; Chief Master Sgt. Craig S. Hall, 460th Space Wing command chief; Col. Dan Wright, 460th SW commander; Col. Charles Begeman, Space Based Infrared Systems senior material leader; Col. Mitch D. Stratton, 460th SW vice commander; and Lt. Col. Robert Riegal, 460th Operations Support Squadron commander, cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the new standardized space trainer Dec. 5, 2013, on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The SST is a new type of simulator used by Air Force Space Command designed to become the new standard for space-based training. The trainer simulates the operational environment using software instead of using the same equipment found on the operational floor. This translates to increased training productivity, reliability and decreased cost by more than 90 percent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Phillip Houk/Released)