Across the Table to the Stars

Air Force Space Command finished a new communications satellite control center at Schriever AFB, Colo., according to a base release. Dubbed the Integrated Operations Environment, the center enables face-to-face cooperation between the 3rd Space Operations Squadron and its sister 4th SOPS. The former operates Defense Satellite Communications System and Wideband Global Satellite Communications spacecraft, while the latter unit controls Milstar and Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites. “The two premier SATCOM squadrons at the 50th Space Wing will have unprecedented situational awareness to recognize, react, and respond to potential hostile actions and satellite anomalies” thanks to the IOE, said 3rd SOPS Commander Lt. Col. Chadwick Igl, in Schriever’s Jan. 9 release. Capt. Gail Smicklas, 3rd SOPS project officer, said the IOE will be “a truly integrated MILSATCOM operations center.” The two squadrons tested collocated operations last year and were scheduled to move into the center this month, but administrative issues have pushed back the opening to mid-February, 50th SW spokesman SSgt. Robert Cloys told the Daily Report on Jan. 16. (Schriever report by SSgt. Robert Cloys)