 |
| News > USSTRATCOM Accepts Command and Control of Third WGS Satellite |
|
|
| |
| Photos | |
 |
The Wideband Global SATCOM satellite is the successor to the Defense Satellite Communications System-III. One WGS satellite has about 12 times the bandwidth of a DSCS-III satellite. (Courtesy image/Boeing)
|
Download HiRes
|
|
|
|
USSTRATCOM Accepts Command and Control of Third WGS Satellite
Posted 6/25/2010 Updated 6/25/2010
Email story
Print story
Release Number: 030610
6/25/2010 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force announced today that U.S. Strategic Command operationally accepted command and control of its third Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, WGS-3. This significant achievement reflects the successful collaboration between numerous organizations, including Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, and the Boeing Company.
WGS provides flexible, high-capacity communications for marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen throughout the world. WGS is a key enabler of Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, as well as battle management and combat support information functions. WGS-3 is the third of six planned satellites in the wideband constellation. WGS-3 launched from Cape Canaveral on the evening of December 5, 2009. The Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing at SMC accepted delivery of WGS-3 from Boeing on March 1, 2010 following extensive ground and in-orbit testing. WGS-3 was then relocated to its final operational location. WGS-3's payload configuration is now optimized to support operations. Upon the recommendations of AFSPC and SMDC/ARSTRAT, USSTRATCOM accepted Combatant Command authority for WGS-3 and assumed responsibility of the system.
WGS-3 is operated by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron at the 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., under the operational command of Joint Forces Component Commander for Space at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calf. The JFCC SPACE Joint Space Operations Center continuously monitors WGS-3's orbital safety and operational status, assisting USSTRATCOM with any performance issues.
"I am extremely proud to add WGS-3 to our 50th SW constellation as another great asset to deliver space effects to the warfighter," said Col. Wayne R. Monteith, 50th SW commander. WGS-3 provides a bridge between CONUS and our forces in Europe, Africa, South America and parts of the Middle East as well as forces afloat in the Atlantic Ocean.
"I am proud of the tremendous dedication and commitment of the Military Satellite Communications Wideband Group, as we field this critical communication capability," said Col. Donald W. Robbins, commander of MCWG. "The success of WGS-3 is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of the entire Wideband SATCOM team."
WGS-3 is the last satellite to be procured via the Block I contract and is a significant milestone for the program.
Media representatives who would like to interview a subject matter expert or learn more about the WGS-3 satellite should send an e-mail to: smcpa.media@losangeles.af.mil or call 310-653-2369/2368/2479
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
