850th Communications Squadron is a component of the 50th Communications Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever AFB, Colorado. The squadron was activated on December 1, 1997.

The mission of the 850th Communication Squadron is to plan, program, and maintain command and control, and common user communications and computer systems supporting satellite, missile warning, and space surveillance operations for 43 units and 22 locations worldwide. Responsible for logistics management and the integrity of satellite communications systems for the Air Force Satellite Control Network controlling over 90 DoD satellites. Provides C4 plans, configuration control, security management, training, and maintenance analysis in support of AFSPC, USSPACECOM, and the National Command Authority. Manages all budgetary issues for the 50th Communications Group, to include planning and execution. The squadron is also responsible for all spectrum management issues and concerns for the entire wing and associated units.

The squadron operates and maintains computer systems that directly support all Wing satellite operations squadrons located at Schriever AFB. Plans and programs for command sponsored (base) and AFMC configuration-managed (mission support) systems.

Specific mission responsibilities are accomplished through the squadron's three flights: Computer Systems Flight, Computer Operations Flight, and Plans Flight. These flights have the following responsibilities:

a. The Computer Systems Flight is responsible for level 1/organizational level maintenance, customer interface, resource scheduling, software/hardware regression testing, and launch and early orbit resources to support the satellite operations mission of the Wing. The focal point for the Wing’s mission system testing.

b. The Computer Operations Flight is responsible for operating SMC configuration-managed mainframe, mini, and high-end computer systems supporting 1 SOPS, 2 SOPS, 3 SOPS, 4SOPS, 22 SOPS, and OSMC satellite control and space environment missions.

c. The Plans Flight is responsible for command-sponsored C-CS project management, commercial communications management, and systems engineering. Responsibility also includes preparing the Wing C-CS Blueprint, all strategic, long-term C-CS planning in support of command-sponsored and SMC configuration-managed systems. Accountable for 50 CG financial management activities, to include budget execution, financial planning, and Program Objective Memorandum inputs.

There are approximately 193 military and 49 DoD civilian personnel assigned to the 850th Communications Squadron, providing the global reach of communications and excellence to support the 50th Space Wing's mission.

Current as of March 1998