Rescue Reservists keep the launches safe and secure

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing Reservists supported the successful launch of a new-generation military communications satellite from here yesterday at 8:47 p.m. (EST), when a Delta IV rocket carried a Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) into space.

WGS satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to U.S. military forces. They will augment and eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communication System that has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the last two decades .

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, who had planned to witness the launch from the Morrell Operations Center at CCAFS prior to a 24-hour weather delay, said he and the entire nation depend on the 45th Space Wing and other space associated programs.
 
The 920th Rescue Wing Reservists are part of those space associated programs Secretary Donley was referring.

"The 920th Rescue Wing is proud to support the 45th Space Wing during all classified and unclassified rocket launches conducted in the Eastern Test Range off Cocoa Beach Florida," said  Colonel Philip Manning, 920th Rescue Wing Vice Commander.

Wing helicopter crews are responsible for clearing the Eastern Range, the roughly 10-mile-wide by 70-mile-long strip of Atlantic Ocean that extends out from the launch pad in the anticipated direction of flight, or "launch azimuth."

In a worst-case scenario the shuttle could shower debris or veer off course so the Reservists scan 1,000 square miles of ocean water for boats and ships.

"The WGS provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology," said Secretary Donley. "The launch of this satellite is another example of the Air Force bringing important and vital capabilities to our nation's military around the world."

This mission marked the third flight of a Delta IV rocket this year from CCAFS, a record for one year. It also was the second launch of a WGS this year from here. WGS-2 launched atop an Atlas V rocket here April 3.

First launched in 2007, WGS will be a constellation of five satellites that will supply service for military leaders to command and control their tactical forces.