 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2012) |
| 4th Space Operations Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Squadron emblem | |
| Active | 1941–1946; 1947–1949; 1952–1958; 1992–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Role | Satellite Operations |
| Part of |  Space Delta 8 |
| Garrison/HQ | Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado |
| Motto(s) | Linking the Forces (since 1994)[1] |
| Engagements | .png){kind=small} American Theater  Southwest Pacific Theater (Air & China Offensive)[1]  Global War on Terrorism |
| Decorations |  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award_Streamer.png){kind=small} Philippine Presidential Unit Citation[1] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Michelle L. Haines |
| Notable commanders | John E. Shaw |
| Insignia | |
| 4th Space Operations Squadron (in use until transfer to the Space Force) |  |
| 4th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem (approved 20 January 1956)[2] | .png) |
| 4th Photographic Mapping Squadron emblem (approved 14 July 1943)[2] |  |
The United States Space Force's 4th Space Operations Squadron (4 SOPS) is a satellite operations unit located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. 4 SOPS is part of Space Delta 8 and responsible for command and control of the Milstar/Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III, and Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellations. The 4th Space Operations Squadron's mission is to operate the Space Force's protected and wideband MILSATCOM systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The squadron also operates three mobile constellation control stations at various locations in conjunction with host partners. At higher readiness levels and during exercises, these personnel deploy with U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Northern Command respectively.
Additionally, they provide reliable space-borne communications to national authorities, U.S. and Allied forces. The 4 SOPS' motto "Linking the Forces" reflects the squadron's responsibility to enhance the nation's secure and wideband communications capability for today's military forces. Command and control of satellites is provided through dedicated Extremely High Frequency antennas and the Satellite Control Network.
The multi-satellite constellation links command authorities to high-priority U.S. forces via communications terminals on aircraft, ships, submarines, trucks, and ground sites with encrypted voice, data, teletype, or facsimile communications. They also provide secure high-rate data communications links to the President, Secretary of Defense, theater commanders and strategic and tactical forces worldwide.[3]
- ^ a b c Robertson, Patsy (1 December 2008). "Factsheet 4 Spece Operations Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
- ^ a b Endicott, pp. 351–352
- ^ No byline (13 July 2012). "Schreiver AFB About us: 4th Space Operations Squadron Fact Sheet". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 8 August 2018. (updated February 2018)