The 30th Space Communications Squadron was a United States Space Force unit, last assigned to Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, under the Space Systems Command. The unit was inactivated on 17 October 2024.
| 30th Space Communications Squadron | |
|---|---|
,_uses_a_digital_video_camera.JPEG) A squadron videographer documents Portuguese Army soldiers during Exercise Iberian Resolve at Camp Butmir, Bosnia Herzegovina. | |
| Active |
|
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Communications support |
| Part of | Space Launch Delta 30 |
| Garrison/HQ | Vandenberg Space Force Base |
| Mottos | One Force, Many Strengths |
| Mascot | gryphon |
| Decorations |  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
| Insignia | |
| 30th Space Communications Squadron emblem[a][1][2] |  |
| 30th Communications Squadron emblem[b] |  |
It was first activated in 1946 as the 30th Communications Squadron to provide communications support to Strategic Air Command. It continued this mission until 1970, when the mission was absorbed by the 1st Aerospace Communications Group. It was most recently activated at Vandenberg in 1991.
Mission
editProvide cyber, communications, and mobile optics support to Space Launch Delta 30 and Vandenberg tenant units through responsive and secure delivery of voice, video, and data information services and technologies.
Squadron Structure
editHistory
editThe squadron was activated at Andrews Field, Maryland in October 1946 as the 30th Communications Squadron, Air Force.[3][c] The squadron's mission was to provide communications support for Headquarters, Strategic Air Command (SAC). It moved with SAC to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska in November 1948.[3]
The squadron was reassigned to the host unit at Offutt, the 3902nd Air Base Wing, in August 1950, although SAC retained operational control of the squadron. In November 1954, the squadron was redesgnated the 30th Communications Squadron, Command, recogniing the level of support it provided. In February 1960, communications support for SAC was expanded as the 1st Communications Group was formed at Offutt and assumed that responsibility, and the 30th was reassigned to it. The 1st Aerospace Communications Group absorbed the functions of its subordinate units in October 1970, and the squadron was inactivated. When the Air Force eliminated redundant and obsolete units in 1983, it was formally disbanded.[3]
The unit was reconstituted as the 30th Communications Squadron and activated at Vandenberg Air Force Base, on 1 November 1991 and was assigned to the 30th Support Group. It was reassigned to the 30th Logistics Group on 15 March 1999 (later the 30th Maintenance Group), then to the 30 Operations Group on 1 December 2003.[3] With the establishment of the United States Space Force, the organizational hierarchy eliminated the group echelon, and the squadron became a direct report to Space Launch Delta 30 of Space Systems Command[2] on 14 May 2021.
The squadron was inactivated on 17 October 2024 with its functions assumed by the 30th Base Communications Directorate in a Space Force wide reorganization of cyber resources.[4]
Lineage
edit- Constituted as the 30th Communications Squadron, Air Force on 8 October 1946
- Activated on 17 October 1946
- Redesignated 30th Communications Squadron, Command, on 8 November 1954
- Inactivated on 1 October 1970
- Disbanded on 15 June 1983
- Reconstituted and redesignated 30th Communications Squadron on 1 November 1991
- Activated on 19 November 1991
- Redesignated 30th Space Communications Squadron on 1 October 2002[3]
- Inactivated c. 17 October 2024[4]
Stations
editAssignments
edit- Strategic Air Command, 17 October 1946
- 3902nd Air Base Wing (remained under operational control of Strategic Air Command), 16 August 1950
- 1st Communications Group, Command (later 1 Aerospace Communications Group), 1 February 1960 – 1 October 1970
- 30th Support Group, 19 November 1991
- 30th Logistics Group (later 30th Maintenance Group), 15 March 1999
- 30th Operations Group, 1 December 2003[3]
- Space Launch Delta 30, 14 May 2021[1] – c. 17 October 2024[4]
Commanders
edit| Years | 30 SCS Commander |
|---|---|
| 2002 - 2004 | Lt Col Daniel Birrenkott, USAF |
| 2004 - 2006 | Lt Col Alan Claypool, USAF |
| 2006 - 2008 | Lt Col Christina Anderson, USAF |
| 2008 - 2010 | Lt Col Michael Dombrowski, USAF |
| 2010 - 2012 | Lt Col Youngkun Yu, USAF |
| 2012 - 2014 | Lt Col Katrina Terry, USAF |
| 2014 - 2015 | Lt Col Michael Myers, USAF |
| 2015 - 2016 | Lt Col Blake Jeffries, USAF |
| 2016 - 2018 | Lt Col Matthew Hyland, USAF |
| 2018 - 2020 | Lt Col Ryan White, USAF |
| 2020 – 2022 | Lt Col Jason Fields, USAF |
| 2022 - Present | Lt Col Mark DeYoung, USSF |
References
edit- Explanatory notes
- ↑ Approved in 2021. The prominent gold border represents Space Systems Command, the United States Space Force Field Command to which the 30th Space Communications Squadron was assigned. The divided oval symbolizes day and night and indicates the twenty-four hour services provided by the squadron. The gryphons, a mythological combination of two creatures represent the strength, diversity and teamwork of the squadron in the accomplishment of its missions. The three lightning bolts denote visual, voice and data services and reflect the power and synergy released by squadron unity and teamwork. The larger star represents the mission. The other three smaller stars indicate the personnel; military, government civilian, and contract support of the organization. Together, they suggest the direction and vision of the squadron's goals.
- ↑ Approved 30 September 1996. The designation on the tab was updated in 2002 and in 2018, the tabs with the motto and designation were reversed.
- ↑ This squadron is not related to the 30th Communications Squadron, Depot, that was activated at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas in November 1950 to provide communications support for the 30th Air Depot Wing, moved to England in 1951 and was inactivated in 1953.
- Citations
- 1 2 3 No bylline (18 December 2024). "Vandenberg Space Force Base Units". Vandenberg Space Force Base Public Affairs. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- 1 2 3 "About Space Systems Command". www.ssc.spaceforce.mil. Retrieved 19 November 2021.[dead link]
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bailey, Carl E. (21 October 2015). "Factsheet 30 Space Communications Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Sibley, SRA Tiarra (18 October 2024). "30th Space Communications Squadron Inactivation Ceremony". Vandenberg Space Force Base Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 16 September 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
Bibliography
edit
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
Media related to 30th Space Communications Squadron at Wikimedia Commons
