It has been suggested that 6595th Aerospace Test Wing be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2022.

Space Delta 12
Space Delta 12 emblem.png
Delta emblem
Founded23 August 2021; 15 months 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]
Commanders
CommanderCol E. Lincoln Bonner III
Senior Enlisted LeaderCMSgt Charles J. Apodaca[2]
Insignia
Guidon
Space Delta 12 guidon.svg

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]

Structure

DEL 12 is one of five deltas that reports to the Space Training and Readiness Command. It is composed of the following five subordinate squadrons:[6]

Squadron Function Headquarters
12th Delta Operations Squadron emblem.png
12th Delta Operations Squadron Delta staff and squadron management Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
1st Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem.png
1st Test and Evaluation Squadron Space command and control capabilities testing Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
3rd Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem.png
3rd Test and Evaluation Squadron Orbital warfare capabilities testing Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
4th Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem.png
4th Test and Evaluation Squadron Electromagnetic spectrum capabilities testing Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
17th Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem.png
17th Test and Evaluation Squadron Missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness capabilities testing Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado

List of commanders

No. Commander Term Ref
Portrait Name Took office Left office Term Length
1
Peter J. Flores
Flores, Peter J.Colonel
Peter J. Flores		23 August 20216 July 2022317 days[7]
2
E. Lincoln Bonner III
Bonner , E. Lincoln IIIColonel
E. Lincoln Bonner III		6 July 2022Incumbent165 days[8]

References

  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. ^ a b "Space Delta 12 recognition ceremony". Schriever Space Force Base. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  7. ^ "COLONEL PETER J. FLORES" (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.
  8. ^ "Space Delta 12 Change of Command". Archived from the original on 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Space Delta 12.
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