COMMANDER’S CORNER: IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGE AND HONOR - PAGE 3 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Thursday, July 7, 2011 Vol. 55 No. 27 Dahlgren space radar reaches 50 years and counting by scott leonard 614th AOC Detachment 1 operations officer DAHLGREN, Va. -- When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man- made satellite, in October 1957, the space race began. The United States didn’t have the capa- bility to detect satellites. But, by 1961, the Naval Research Laboratory’s innovative re- search made such detection a reality with its Naval Space Surveillance System, commonly known as the Fence in Dahlgren. The Fence is a specially designed multi- static radar interferometer system located at nine stations on a great-circle arc across the southern United States on the 33 degree parallel. It was one of the military’s first tracking assets, and the use of its technol- ogy was instrumental in the development of the current space surveillance network world-wide. The Fence can detect basketball-sized objects in orbit around the earth out to an effective range of 15,000 nautical miles. The joint-service Space Surveillance Network, of which the Fence is a part, consists of approximately two dozen radar and opti- cal sensors located around the world. The Air Force operates most of the SSN sites, including phased-array radars, mechani- Courtesy photo cal radars, optical telescopes and passive It consists mainly of sensors that developed missions other than space surveillance, such productive: the cost per observation is con- radio-frequency receiver sites. The Air Force into service over the years to accomplish as missile warning, launch and test range siderably lower than any other radar. After assumed operations of the Fence in 2004, ef- the space surveillance mission. Of the ap- support, intelligence and research. The 50 years and running, the Fence’s reliability fectively changing its name to the Air Force proximately 20 SSN radars, only three were Fence produces approximately 50 percent is top among all sensors maintaining a 99 Space Surveillance System, or AFSSS. designed to monitor orbiting space objects: of the observations accumulated by the SSN. percent overall availability. Contributions to Space the phased-array radar at Eglin AFB, Fla., All the other radars collectively provide the The SSN was never designed as the “sys- Satellite-Based Surveillance System and the remainder. The Fence is the most economi- See Space radar page 12 tem of systems” that it has become today. Fence. All the other radars have primary cal of all the sensors, besides being the most Dining facility receives special guest by airman 1st class Jessica hines body that didn’t like him, he was just a likable 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office guy,” Hrdlicka said about Aragon. “He was a quiet guy, very smart, knew what he was doing.” “He left for Vietnam before I did,” he recalled. PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Upon visiting the newly renovated dining facil- Colorado couple stopped by the Aragon Dining ity, the couple stopped at the Aragon display just Facility to have lunch and pay respects to an old inside the doors and made sure to sign the guest friend, Staff Sgt. Jose R. Aragon, the namesake for book beneath the dedication display. After captur- Peterson’s dining facility. ing a few pictures, Hrdlicka took time to reminisce Leo and Bette Hrdlicka of Littleton, Colo., were as he pointed to a picture of Aragon’s flight. visiting the area June 24, and stopped by Peterson “All the faces are familiar, I don’t remember ev- Air Force Base. Hrdlicka served four years in the eryone’s name but I remember the faces,” he said. Air Force in the 1960s and also served one tour Hrdlicka could recall at least half the names of in Vietnam. Along with Aragon, he became a the Airmen within the photo, some who he would crew chief working on Lockheed T-33s under the see again and others who were killed in action 4600th Air Base Wing at what was then known during the Vietnam War. A wooden plaque that as Peterson Field. sits at the bottom of the display box was carved During the visit to base, Hrdlicka noticed much and made by Hrdlicka. The plaque and box are had changed since his time in service here, not- part of a display dedicated at the Aragon Dining ing the barracks were closer to the flightline but Facility years ago. the hangars looked much the same. The staff of Aragon distinguished himself by meritorious the Peterson Air and Space Museum organized achievement while engaged in ground support their visit to base as well as a tour of the museum. of Tactical Air Operations against an opposing A special stop was made at the Aragon Dining armed force at Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Leo Hrdlicka points to a flight photo as he recalls the names of Airmen he served with in the 1960s on Facility to see the building which held the name Vietnam on May 16, 1965. Peterson Field. In the flight photo is Staff Sgt. Jose Aragon, who distinguished himself by meritorious of an old friend. achievement while engaged in ground support of Tactical Air Operations against an opposing armed force at See Special guest page 10 “Everybody liked him, there wasn’t any- Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on May 16, 1965. (Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines) INSIDE Commentary 3 News 4 Universal Protect Two waste: your- brothers, Feature 7 Everyone’s self this small Air Briefs 11 issue summer Force Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Space ObServer 2 Thursday, July 7, 2011 www.peterson.af.mil Space ObServer www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, July 7, 2011 3 21ST SPACE WING 21st Space Wing Commander Col. Chris Crawford COMMANDER ’S CORNER Chief of Public Affairs 1st Lt. Holly Hess Editorial Staff Chief of Internal Information It’s been a privilege and honor Mr. Steve Brady Deputy Chief of Internal PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Dan McConnell, Irm Cates, Al Wetmore and Information It’s been, what seems like, a blink of an eye Col. Morris McCauley who donate their time be- Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines when on a very hot August 2008 aft ernoon John. C. Sell cause it’s the right thing to do. Staff Writer in Hanger 119, Col. Jay Raymond, then the People like Don Brown, Steve Alcock, Rich Ms. Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing commander, handed me the Holcomb and the TRIWEST team who en- guidon commencing my tour as commander 21st Medical sured the quality and timely health care we Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers of the 21st Medical Group. delivered to our patients was seamless. Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, And now this morning, 35 months later, I Group 80903, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. People like Gary Hadden, Mike Martin, Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the relinquish command and without question, commander 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force leave the best job I’ve had in my 26 year Air Denise Miranda, Elsa Simpson, Audrey Hall, newspaper is an authorized publication for members of Force career. Mark Bronson, Brian Baker, Vivienne Davis, the U.S. military services. Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the What made it the best? Very simple Chiesa, and Andy Cole, a pool of highly tal- Kellie Smith, Wendy Punday, Devalle Wright, offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, - people. ented squadron commanders who worked Randy Lund, Ric Carlson, Jennifer Martin the Department of Defense or the Department of the People like Gen. Jay Raymond and Col. and supported me 24/7. and of course, my secretary Hilda as well as Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, Stephen Whiting, wing commanders who People like Kevin McCoy, Th om Trottier so many others in the 21st Medical Group including inserts or supplements, does not constitute stayed calm, allowed me to lead, listened, and Carolyn Regan - three outstanding medi- who went above and beyond in carrying out endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, supported and trusted me. cal group superintendents whose council I or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. the medical mission. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made People like Al Strait, Rusty Wilson, Kim relied on frequently - and retired Chief Master To all of the 500 plus men and women, available for purchase, use or patronage without regard Conner, Chris Crawford, Emily Buckman, Sgt. Tim Omdal who wisely provided guid- both past and present, who make up the 21st to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital Mark Allen, and Nina Armagno - a great ance in my fi rst year of command. Th e en- status, physical handicap, political affi liation or any other Medical Group, you’re a recognized, proven group of leaders to work with who never had listed force leadership in this wing is strong non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. and distinguished Air Force organization and Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by a hidden agenda but rather were teammates and thriving. the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Offi ce, 775 Loring to get the mission done. People like Nate Nidiff er, Kathe Wilson, you have my deepest thanks for what you’ve Ave., Suite 219, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) done for me as your commander. 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185, fax (719) 556-7848 or DSN People like Wayne Monteith and Jim Terence Mitchell, Erin Peterson, Matt Hanson, 834-7848.