Members of the 45th Space Wing supported the successful launch of the Navy’s first Mobile User Objective System communications satellite. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., on Feb. 24, carrying the narrowband communications satellite into orbit. “The new MUOS constellation will bring a robust ‘communications-on-the-move’ capability to the mobile warfighter,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th SW commander, in a release. He added, “The entire government and contractor team worked together flawlessly to make this launch a success.” The Navy plans a constellation of four operational MUOS satellites in geosynchronous orbit plus one on-orbit spare. According to the sea service, the MUOS satellites will provide more than 10 times the communications capacity of the current UHF Follow-On constellation.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.