23rd Space Operations Squadron

23rd Airways Detachment (1942–1943) The 23rd Space Operations Squadron was originally activated on 25 July 1942 as the 23rd Airways Detachment. The squadron served in India and China during World War II, earning campaign streamers for India-Burma (1942–1945) and the China Defensive (1942–1945) before disbanding on 1 December 1943. Air Force Space Command (1991–2019) On 1 November 1991, the Air Force reconstituted the 23rd Airways Detachment and designated it the 23rd Space Operations Squadron (23rd SOPS). Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) activated the unit at New Boston Air Force Station in New Hampshire. US Space Force (2019–present) The squadron was realigned to Space Delta 6 of the United States Space Force on 24 July 2020. ==Mission==

The 23rd Space Operations Squadron (23rd SOPS) provides US Space Command with critical satellite command and control capability to more than 190 Department of Defense, national and civilian satellites performing intelligence, weather, navigation, early-warning and communications operations. Locations The squadron provides assured access to space and cyberspace by operating and maintaining the Satellite Control Network's largest remote tracking station at New Boston Space Force Station in New Hampshire, as well as at three other Geographically Separate Units located at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, Oakhanger in the United Kingdom, and the Eastern Vehicle Checkout Facility (EVCF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. ==Operations==

, home of the 23rd Space Operations Squadron The squadron provides real-time capability to users performing on-orbit tracking, telemetry, commanding, and mission data retrieval services. Additionally, the squadron provides remote command and control capability through two Global Positioning System (GPS) control stations located at Cape Canaveral and Ascension Auxiliary Air Field in the South Atlantic Ocean. The squadron also operates and maintains a ground station of the Defense Satellite Communications System and additional equipment in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other mission partners. The 23rd SOPS operates and maintains New Boston SFS, an installation of which includes infrastructure worth more than $106 million. The squadron performs all station operations for the installation including security, civil engineering, communications, services, natural resources and safety. == List of commanders ==

• Lt Col David G. Hanson, 28 June 2011 • Lt Col Sarah Jackson, ~2013 • Lt Col Marty Easter, ~2015 • Lt Col Kenneth Holmes, ~2017 • Lt Col Daniel Highlander, 2 July 2019 • Lt Col David Zesinger, 12 July 2021 • Lt Col Devin Zufelt, 22 June 2023 == References ==