New structures, names for SMC organization

  • Published
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) --  The Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center has reorganized and renamed its organizations to mirror the traditional Air Force structure in a ceremony July 31.

The center activated six subordinate wings, 21 groups, 12 squadrons, 20 divisions, two system offices and the 61st Air Base Wing, providing increased effectiveness and clearer command authority to better develop, acquire and sustain military space power for the nation and improve base support functions.

Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel, SMC commander, presided over the event. He reminded audience members that SMC and its former organizations are credited as the birthplace of the military space effort. He said 2006 is the year of rebirth with the move into its new Schriever Space Complex facilities earlier this year.

"The activation of these wings helps in building better teamwork, respect and organizational dependence," he said. "We are truly marking a new era for the center."

The new organizations include:

Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, formerly the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, or JPO, commanded by Brig. Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski.

Launch and Range Systems Wing, formerly the Launch and Ranges Systems Program Office, or SPO, commanded by Col. Edward Bolton.

Global Positioning Systems Wing, formerly the GPS JPO, commanded by Col. Allan Ballenger.

Space-Based Infrared Systems Wing, formerly the SBIRS SPO, commanded by Col. Randall Weidenheimer.

Space Development and Test Wing, which includes the former SMC Detachment 12, located at Kirtland AFB, N.M., commanded by Col. Rich White.

The Space Superiority Systems Wing has retained its name but Col. Michael Taylor is now the wing commander rather than the director.

61st Air Base Wing, commanded by Col. Joseph Schwarz.

Satellite Control and Network Systems Group, formerly the AFSCN SPO, commanded by Col. Michael Coolidge.

Space Logistics Group, formerly SMC Detachment 11 and then the SMC Logistics Support Squadron, located at Peterson AFB, Colo., led by  Lou Johnson. It is the first Air Force Space Command unit headed by an Air Force civilian.

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Systems Group, formerly the DMSP SPO, commanded by Col. John Wagner.

The number of people assigned to the new organizations and their unique missions do not change under the new wing designations. The wing structure will provide commanders with strengthened authority, accountability and responsibility.

"This fosters better communication with our customers, makes us more familiar across the Air Force and joint community, enhances horizontal integration across our weapon systems and creates an environment for increased capability planning opportunities," General Hamel said.

"The new wing structure transforms SMC's SPOs by assigning authority, workload and resources and will posture us for much greater success in meeting the warfighters' needs," General Hamel said.

SMC is the Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, the Air Force Satellite Control Network, space-based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities.

SMC manages more than $60 billion in contracts, has an annual operating budget of $7.8 billion and employs more than 6,800 people worldwide.