13th Space Warning Squadron

The 13th Space Warning Squadron (13SWS) is a missile warning unit assigned to the United States Space Force and located at Clear Air Force Station 5 miles (8 km) south of Anderson, Alaska[1]

13th Space Warning Squadron
13th Space Warning Squadron emblem
Active1967-Present
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeMissile Warning
RoleCombat Support
Part ofSpace Delta 4
Garrison/HQClear Air Force Station
Motto(s)SENTINEL OF SPACE
Decorations AFOUA

Mission

The primary mission of the 13th SWS is to provide early warning of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) launches to the Missile Warning Center at North American Aerospace Defense Command. The secondary mission of the 13SWS is to provide space surveillance data on orbiting objects to the Space Control Center also located in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex.

History

The 13th SWS is controlled by the Missile Warning Center, part of the NORAD, and by the Space Control Center, part of United States Strategic Command. Both agencies are located at the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center in Colorado. Clear accomplishes these missions using the Solid State Phased Array Radar System (SSPARS) radar. Clear's radar was originally located at El Dorado Air Station, Texas as part of the PAVE PAWS program and was only recently transplanted to Alaska to replace the US' last mechanical missile warning radar site.

Assignments

Major Command

Wing/Group

Previous designations

  • 13th Space Warning Squadron (15 May 1992–Present)
  • 13th Missile Warning Squadron (1 November 1966-15 May 1992)

Bases stationed

Decorations

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
    • 1 October 1997-30 September 1999[2]
    • 1 January 1998-31 December 1998[3]
    • 1 October 1995-30 September 1997[4]
    • 1 May 1983-30 April 1984
    • 1 July 1971-30 June 1973
    • 1 June 1968-31 May 1970

References

  1. https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1563181/rutherford-assumes-command-of-the-13th-space-warning-squadron/
  2. AFSPC Special Order GA-58, 6 December 1999
  3. AFSPC Special Order GA-62, 6 December 1999
  4. AFSPC Special Order GA-09, 1 November 1997
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