The United States Space Force's 5th Space Warning Squadron (5 SWS) is an in-theater missile warning unit headquartered at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. It operates the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) system via four forward-stationed combat detachments located in Italy, Qatar, South Korea, and Japan.

Assignments

  • 21st Operations Group, 15 May 1992-8 Jun 1995
  • 21st Space Wing, 8 Jun 1995-10 Aug 1999
  • 821st Space Group, 10 Aug 1999-12 Oct 1999
  • Mission Delta 4, 13 Oct 2023-present

History

From 1992 to 1999, the 5th Space Warning Squadron operated the only ground station in the Southern Hemisphere for the Defense Support Program, a space-based system that provides global missile warning. It used to be known as the 5th Joint Defense Space Communications Squadron.

Commanders

  • Col John Harris, USAF, 1993–1995
  • Col Henry W. Poburka, USAF, 12 Jul 1995-1997
  • Unknown, 1997-1999
  • Lt Col Michael A. Provencher, USSF, 13 Oct 2023-3 May 2024
  • Lt Col Robert M. Smith, USSF, 3 May 2024-present

Station

  • Woomera AS, Australia, 15 May 1992-12 Oct 1999
  • Buckley SFB, Colorado, 13 Oct 2023-present

Decorations

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
    • 1 Jan 2000-31 Aug 2001
    • 1 Jan 1999-31 Dec 1999
    • 1 Oct 1995-30 Sep 1997
    • 1 Oct 1992-30 Sep 1994
    • 1 Sep 1989-31 Aug 1991
    • 2 May 1973 – 1 May 1976
    • 17 Nov 1971-1 May 1973

See also

  • Joint Tactical Ground Station
  • Defense Support Program
  • Space-Based Infrared System
  • 2d Space Warning Squadron
  • 8th Space Warning Squadron
  • 11th Space Warning Squadron
  • Mission Delta 4

References


DVIDS Images 5th Space Warning Squadron keeps eyes in the sky

DVIDS Images 6th Space Warning Squadron Portraits [Image 14 of 40]

DVIDS Images 6th Space Warning Squadron Portraits [Image 9 of 40]

DVIDS Images 6th Space Warning Squadron Portraits [Image 10 of 40]

13th Space Warning Squadron American Plaque Company Military