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22nd SOPS to inactivate, merge with 21st SOPS
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 22nd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, is scheduled to inactivate during a ceremony at the Vandenberg Tracking Station here at 2:30 p.m. July 30.
The 22nd SOPS, Det. 1, responsible for satellite command and control operations, will merge with the 21st Space Operations Squadron here to streamline their capabilities.
"We look at this as a tremendous opportunity," said Lt. Col. Dieter Haney, the 22nd SOPS commander. "Although I will sorely miss the leadership team of the 22nd SOPS, we are very privileged to have the opportunity to work with the 21st SOPS."
Detachment 1, located at the Vandenberg Tracking Station belongs to the 22nd Space Operations Squadron, a unit of the 50th Network Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.
The 22nd SOPS commands and controls the $6.2 billion Air Force Satellite Control Network by developing, executing and enforcing the network operations tasking order; operating and maintaining worldwide remote tracking stations and associated communications systems; and providing space safety analysis to conduct satellite operations.
The 22nd SOPS, Det. 1, will join with the 21st SOPS which closed its doors at Onizuka Air Base July 28 to relocate at Vandenberg.
"Our mission will not cease to exist because of the inactivation," said Colonel Haney. "Not only will our mission continue, it will expand as we join with the team from Onizuka."
After the inactivation, the detachment will become a flight and the mission of the detachment will continue. The military members will relocate to their new home at Building 12006 and join with the 21st SOPS, while the civilian contractors will remain at the Vandenberg Tracking Station.
"I will miss the people terribly, but I will still get to visit," said Colonel Haney. "The team from Onizuka is just as dedicated as our team, and we are excited to learn their mission once we merge. Everyone is excited to grow and further the missions of the Air Force."