The 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., received satellite control authority of the third Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellite during a recent transfer ceremony, said base officials. The MILSATCOM Program Office, a division of the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles, has had satellite control authority over AEHF-3 since its launch in September, states a March 27 release. The satellite reached geosynchronous orbit in January. “The operational position of the satellite, and hence its coverage area, is up to US Strategic Command. We are prepared to support users and the combatant commands’ needs wherever the satellite is finally positioned,” said Lt. Col. Alistair Funge, 4th SOPS operations officer, in the release. The transfer ceremony took place March 21. The fourth AEHF vehicle is tentatively slated to launch into space in 2015, states the release.
The Air Force has started the process of shutting down its diversity and inclusion offices and boards to comply with a sweeping Executive Order from President Donald Trump, though the process is still ongoing, an official told Air & Space Forces Magazine.