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Reservists pilot multi-billion dollar spacecraft solo for first time in decade

  • Published
  • By Airman Jacob Deatherage
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE,Colo. --  For the first time in more than 14 years, the 8th Space Warning Squadron and their sister squadron, Detachment 1, 8th Space Warning Squadron provided a full Air Force Reserve crew to man the Space-Based Missile Warning System here Jan. 7.

As the classic associate unit to 2nd SWS, the 8th SWS demonstrated their capability to execute the SBIRS mission of missile warning, battlespace awareness, technical intelligence and missile defense, in a fully proficient manner.

The historic day for the reserve unit signifies their potential to provide mission-ready Airmen in the time of need, or during a shortage of manpower, even at a moment’s notice; all while ensuring commanders of their technical skills.

“Our mission is to provide a ready, reliable and scalable citizen Airmen force with expertise and continuity supporting integrated space-based infrared missions,” said Lt. Col. Keith Jansa, 8th SWS commander.

Jansa received an orchestrated list of names, schedules, conflicts, and concerns to overcome from the Airmen within the 8th SWS to help strategize and execute the event

“We have Airmen who are full-time college students, and or employees in the private sector, and still come in to drill on the weekends. The maturity and experience that we bring is second-to-none," Jansa said.

The majority of 8th SWS work force is comprised of traditional reservists, who work one weekend a month and two weeks a year while the remaining Airmen work on full-time orders either in the 8th SWS or with the 460th Operations Group in support of the day-to-day mission. The 8th SWS Total Force Airmen contribute to the fight by serving hand-in-hand with their active-duty counterparts.

Having a total reserve crew is important because it showcases the strength of the reserve and their full capability when needed. Having the support and backing from our active-duty counterparts is also very important, according to Jansa.

“We maintain mission readiness and are ready to support the mission when necessary,” said Staff Sgt. Kayla Meeks, 8th SWS mission management operator. “Having ready and proficient Airmen is beneficial for contingencies and for days like today when people who work the mission every day are able to spend the additional time either resting or with their families.”

“The 8th SWS remains the foundation for SBIRS operational excellence and win future challenges through innovation and Total Force integration,” said Jansa. “These Airmen make me proud every day and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to lead such a great organization.”