76th SPACE
CONTROL SQUADRON
Commander: Lt Col Jim E. Jennings
Bio

 

The 76th Space Control Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo., is Air Force Space Command’s first offensive and defensive counterspace technology squadron.

THE 76th SPCS 

Explores capabilities to achieve space superiority in support of theater campaigns.

MISSION
The 76th SPCS is Air Force Space Command’s offensive and defensive counterspace unit responsible for operating space control capabilities to rapidly achieve flexible and versatile space superiority in support of theater campaigns.  The unit participates in the evaluation and operation of counterspace technologies to meet combatant commander requirements.

HISTORY
The history of the 76th dates to the earliest days of World War II. During the Summer of 1941, Army Captain Claire L. Chennault formed a small group of American pilots into the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, Aviation Volunteer Group. The unit immediately garnered international attention for their combat successes while defending China, and they became known as the "Flying Tigers."

On 18 December 1941, the 3rd was redesignated as the 76^th Pursuit Squadron and subsequently the 76th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942. The unit fought the remainder of the war under the 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force.

Following World War II the 76th was deactivated and reactivated a number of times. Over this period, the squadron conducted P-47, RF-80, F-89, F-102, A-7 and A-10 flying operations. These operations included distinguished service during Operation DESERT STORM where the unit earned the Defense of Saudi Arabia and Defense of Kuwait campaign streamers.

DESERT STORM lessons on space power convinced Air Force leaders to reactivate the unit as the 76th Space Operations Squadron in December 1995. The 76th deployed Air Force Space Support Teams to bring space expertise to expeditionary air forces and air operations centers around the world. Over their tenure, the 76th Space Operations Squadron deployed to make significant contributions during JOINT ENDEAVOR, DENY FLIGHT, DESERT FOX, DESERT THUNDER and ALLIED FORCE. 

The squadron was deactivated on Jan. 21, 2001 and its campaign streamers transferred to the 76th Space Control Squadron during its activation on Jan. 22, 2001.

On Sept. 24, 2004, the 76th SPSC demonstrated Initial Operational Capability of its first Counter Communications System. This system provides a critical counterspace capability never before available to warfighters around the world.