VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force is activating Site Activation Task Force Detachment 9, Thursday, March 6, to support critical infrastructure upgrades for the Sentinel program, which is planned to replace the aging Minuteman III missile system.
What: Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) Detachment 9 Activation Ceremony and appointment of Detachment Commander, Lt. Col. Suzanne Lamar
When: Thursday, March 6, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Pacific Coast Center, Vandenberg Space Force Base
Vandenberg SFB's Western Range serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command's ICBM deterrent architecture. The Sentinel program represents a significant update to U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities.
"Vandenberg’s legacy is intrinsically linked to testing the reliability of our nation's deterrent architecture,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the host unit overseeing all Spaceport and Western Range operations at Vandenberg SFB. "In the face of emerging multi-domain threats, our actions today are critical to maintaining our edge in national defense for years to come."
Lt. Col. Suzanne Lamar will assume command during the ceremony, leading the strategic modernization of ICBM test and evaluation infrastructure at Vandenberg SFB. In her role, she will oversee the construction and refurbishment of key facilities essential to the Sentinel program, that will support the Sentinel test and training missions and personnel involved in this next-generation nuclear deterrence initiative at the installation.
"The activation of SATAF Detachment 9 is crucial for ensuring Vandenberg's infrastructure is ready to support the next generation of ICBMs," Lamar said. "This ceremony marks an important step in maintaining the effectiveness and reliability of the nation's ground-based strategic deterrent force."
SATAF’s, which were first initiated by Gen. Curtis LeMay in the 1960’s to manage the construction of missile fields, are charged with reviewing existing facilities, personnel, maintenance operations, infrastructure, and communications systems to identify potential roadblocks and recommend solutions for incoming missions.
Vandenberg SFB will host one of four SATAFs, with others at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and Minot AFB, North Dakota. Activation ceremonies for these locations are planned for 2025.
For more information on the Sentinel program visit: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel-GBSD/
Media representatives interested in attending should contact please contact SLD 30/PA by March 5 at phone: 805-606-3595 or by e-mail: SLD30.PA.Workflow@us.af.mil for base access and additional details.