Operations group detachment deactivates with years of success after ushering in Block 10 completion

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Gabrielle Spradling
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs

The 460th Operations Group, Detachment 1 inactivation ceremony was held Jan. 11, 2017, where the guidon flag was ceremoniously rolled up symbolizing the closure.

The detachment, located on Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. officially inactivates Jan. 31, 2017. The detachment had many responsibilities to keep the 460th Space Wing mission successful.

“Det 1 was responsible for mission operations of the new generation of Space Based Infared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous (GEO) satellites constellation from the Interim Test Center (ITC), located in Boulder, CO,” said Master Sgt. Jason, Det. 1 chief. “Det. 1 was responsible for bridging the gap between acquisition, Space and Missile Systems Center and the operational unit, which is the 460th Space Wing.”

The mission of Det. 1 focused on interim operations for SBIRS GEO satellites until Block 10 delivered the consolidated ground system, ground system testing and activation, and spacecraft and payload testing.

About half of Det. 1 members will be absorbed by the 460th Operations Group on Buckley AFB, while the rest will PCS to other assignments. The detachment members accomplished a lot during their time on base.

“Det 1 successfully launched and conducted the on-orbit testing of three Highly Eliptical Orbit (HEO) payloads and two Geosynchronous (GEO) spacecraft,” said Tech. Sgt. James, Det. 1 mission crew chief. “Also, we successfully transitioned the mission to the new Block 10 floor at Buckley bringing on the new era of missile warning.”

In 2013 and 2015, Det. 1 was the winner of the General Seth J. McKee Award, which is awarded to the best missile warning unit.

Det. 1 had much success during its years on Buckley AFB and Block 10 will continue the trend on a higher scale by integrating SBIRS GEO, HEO and Defense Support Program satellites into one.