| 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron | |
| Active | 1967–1994; 2007-Present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Role | Detect and reportelectromagnetic interference with satellite communications systems |
| Size | 123 |
| Part of | Mission Delta 3 |
| Garrison/HQ | Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado |
| Mottos | Tutamine VictoriaLatin From a Strong Defense, Victory |
| Decorations | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award[1] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col D. J. Thomas |
| Insignia | |
| 16th Surveillance Squadron emblem[2] |  |
| 16th Space Control Squadron emblem |  |
The16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (16 EWS) is an activeUnited States Space Force unit, stationed atPeterson Space Force Base, Colorado as part of theMission Delta 3. The squadron protects critical satellite communication links to detect, characterize, geolocate and report sources ofelectromagnetic interference on US military and commercial satellites. The squadron also provides combat-ready crews to deploy and employ defensive space electromagnetic warfare capabilities for theater combatant commanders. Thesquadron isAir Force Space Command's first defensive counterspace unit.
From 1967 through 1994, the squadron, originally the16th Surveillance Squadron, operated theCobra Dane space detection system atShemya Air Force Base, Alaska.
The16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron operates space electromagnetic warfare capabilities to achieve space superiority in support of theater campaigns andUnited States Strategic Command's space superiority mission. To achieve this, 16th operates theRapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System (RAIDRS) central operating location and up to six RAIDRS fixed ground stations and three deployable ground segments. The unit detects, characterizes, geolocation andelectromagnetic interference for satellite communications systems, supporting combatant commanders. 16th SPCS operators can remotely control and task the fixed and deployable antenna suites fromPeterson Air Force Base. Additionally, the three deployable systems are capable of sustained autonomous operations if connectivity is lost.[3]
Thesquadron was first organized atShemya Air Force Station, Alaska as the16th Surveillance Squadron and assigned to the73d Aerospace Surveillance Wing ofAir Defense Command.[1] The unit's mission was to operate theCobra Dane long-range early warning radar system, used to track Sovietintercontinental ballistic missile launches. In April 1967, the 73d Wing was inactivated and the 16th was assigned directly toFourteenth Aerospace Force.[1]
The 16th continued its mission under Air (later Aerospace) Defense Command until the command was disestablished in December 1979.Strategic Air Command assumed responsibility for strategic space defense assets and assigned the squadron to its47th Air Division.[1] The unit was again reassigned in 1983, when the Air Force brought its space defense and communications units underAir Force Space Command, which assigned the squadron to the1st Space Wing. In 1991, it was reassigned to the 73rd Space Surveillance Group. In 1992, the unit was designated the16th Space Surveillance Squadron. It was inactivated in 1994.[1]
The unit was reactivated atPeterson Air Force Base., Colorado in May 2007 under the21st Space Wing[1] to operate the Air Force'sRapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System (RAIDRS).
The RAIDRS prototype, designated the "Satellite Interference Response System" (SIRS), was initially deployed toUnited States Central Command (USCENTCOM)'s area of responsibility for a 120-day proof of concept. When the proof of concept proved to be a success, SIRS was redesignated RAIDRS Deployable Ground Segment-0 and has been continually deployed to USCENTCOM since then. In 2011, the Bounty Hunter system was delivered to USCENTCOM for added capability and the two compriseOperation Silent Sentry. Airmen from the 16th and its reserve associate, the380th Space Control Squadron provide the preponderance of the required manpower for this mission.[4]
On 15 April 2022, the 16th Space Control Squadron was redesignated the 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron.[5]
| Award streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 January 1974 – 31 May 1975 | 16th Surveillance Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 July 1980 – 30 June 1982 | 16th Surveillance Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 May 1983 – 30 April 1984 | 16th Surveillance Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 1989 – 31 August 1991 | 16th Surveillance Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 6 April 1993 | 16th Surveillance Squadron[1] |
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This article incorporatespublic domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
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