233rd Space Group

Overview

The 233d Space Group operates the Air Force's strategic survivable, mobile Defense Support Program ground station. The group provides endurable missile warning detection to the National Command Authority and has the ability to survive and operate through all phases of trans/post attack. In addition, the satellites provide immediate, worldwide missile warning, space launch, and nuclear detonation detection. The members of the 233d Space Group are currently in the middle of a larger discussion involving a potential Space National Guard. The idea of a Space National Guard was introduced by military leaders upon the formation of The Space Force in 2019, but was turned down by Congress in 2021. The discussion/battle continues into 2024 with 11 Air National Guard units who perform space related missions being unsure of their future.

History

The history of the 233d Space Group is in the equipment it operates. The 233d Space Group activated 1 October 1995, assuming the mission of the 4th Space Warning Squadron (4 SWS), Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

Mobile DSP Communications

The mobile Defense Support Program (DSP) communication mission began on 1 October 1983, as the 1025th Communications Squadron (Mobile). The 1025 CS spent its first three years testing the new mobile satellite communications equipment and training its people. On 1 November 1985, administrative operations were transferred to the 1st Space Wing, part of the newly formed Air Force Space Command. The 1025th Space Communications Squadron was redesignated as the 4th Satellite Communications Squadron on 1 August 1986. During an Air Force-wide reorganization, the 1st Space Wing and the 3d Space Wing were inactivated, and their assets merged into the newly renamed 21st Space Wing, at Peterson AFB, Colorado. The unit was renamed the 4th Space Communications Squadron. On 1 October 1992, the 4th SCS's mission was declassified. When the duties of the 4th SWS transferred to other space projects, the mobile DSP mission was transferred to the newly formed 137th Space Warning Squadron, activated in 1995. In 2012, the 233d Space Group was established and the 137th Space Warning Squadron became the first operational squadron of the 233d Space Group.

Assignments

Major Command/Gaining Command

• Air National Guard/Air Force Space Command (1995 – present)

Previous designations

• 1 October 1983 – The 137th SWS activated as the 1025th Satellite Communications Squadron (SCS)
• 1 August 1986 – The 1025th SCS was re-designated as the 4th SCS
• 1 October 1992 – The 4th SCS's mission was declassified and became the 4th Space Warning Squadron.
• 1 October 1995 – The 137th Space Warning Squadron activated
• 1 March 2012 – The 137th Space Warning Squadron was re-designated as the 233d Space Group

Equipment Operated

• Mobile Ground System (MGS) of the Defense Support Program (1995 – present)

References

References

1. [https://www.140wg.ang.af.mil/ 140th Wing] Official Site. Accessed 2009-07-24. [https://www.140wg.ang.af.mil Archived] 2011-11-15.
2. "Ranger95.com: 233rd Space Group".
3. Thomas, Dillon. (2024-05-01). "Air Force considers consolidating Colorado-based 233rd Space Group: "It's awkward." - CBS Colorado".
4. link. (13 September 2011 Accessed/updated: 2011-11-15.)