Space Delta 12

Space Delta 12
Delta emblem
Founded23 August 2021; 3 years ago (2021-08-23)
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeDelta
RoleSpace test and evaluation
Part ofSpace Training and Readiness Command
HeadquartersSchriever Space Force Base, Colorado
Nickname(s)Big Dogs[1]
WebsiteOfficial website
Commanders
CommanderCol Sacha N. Tomlinson
Senior Enlisted LeaderCMSgt Charles J. Apodaca[2]
Insignia
Guidon

Space Delta 12 (DEL 12) is a United States Space Force unit responsible for space test and evaluation. It tests space systems and capabilities in support of weapon system acquisition, operational acceptance, and readiness. It was established on 23 August 2021 following the establishment of the Space Training and Readiness Command, the field command to which it reports. It is temporarily headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, but its final location requires a base selection process.[3][4][5]

DEL 12 was originally activated as the USAF’s 6565th Test Wing in October 1960 at Vandenberg AFB, CA. The wing was re-designated as the 6565th Test Wing (Development) in December 1960 and was subsequently re-designated, this time as the 6595th Aerospace Test Wing, in April 1961. The wing was inactivated in October 1979. It was reactivated on 23 August 2021 and redesignated as Space Delta 12.

A ceremony was held on 27 August 2021, activating three squadrons and redesignating two squadrons that were realigned under DEL 12.[6]

  1. ^ "Space Delta 12 Activation Ceremony". Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  2. ^ "CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CHARLES J. APODACA" (PDF). Space Training and Readiness Command. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ "DEL 12". Space Training and Readiness Command. Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ Miller, Amanda (23 August 2021). "Raymond: New STARCOM Will 'Shape the Next Century' of Space Operations". Archived from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Space Force activates Space Training and Readiness Command". United States Space Force. 23 August 2021. Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. ^ "Space Delta 12 recognition ceremony". Schriever Space Force Base. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.