Space Tracks - 1999 09 - ADA368324

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: September/October 1999
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACE TRACKS, a bulletin on naval space issues and initiatives, delves into the Navy's expanding role in space and its increasing reliance on space-based technologies. The cover story, "Navy Takes Control of UHF Follow-On," highlights the Navy's acquisition of control over a significant satellite system, emphasizing its importance for communication and operations. The magazine also features articles on the "Information Technology for the 21st Century" (IT-21) initiative, the role of satellite communications (SATCOM) in enabling naval warfare, and the designation of Naval Space Command as the manager for commercial SATCOM.

Key Articles and Features

Navy Takes Control of UHF Follow-On (Cover Story)

The cover story, presented with a poetic introduction, announces the Navy's control over the UHF Follow-On satellite system. This system, orbiting in geosynchronous space, is described as providing command and control for communication to users on the go. The article suggests this control is a significant step for the Navy's operational capabilities.

The REAL Star Wars: Getting Into Space

This perspective piece by Elliot G. Pulham of the U.S. Space Foundation argues that the nation spends far more on space-themed entertainment, citing the massive revenues from "Star Wars" merchandise and films, than it invests in actual human space presence. Pulham contrasts the high cost of space access, noting that the Space Shuttle costs approximately $10,000 per pound to launch, with the declining budgets of NASA. He criticizes the lack of investment in developing new, more cost-effective space transportation technologies, suggesting that the current designs are decades old. The article calls for a shift from entertainment illusions to a meaningful investment in real space endeavors, emphasizing the need for revolutionary advancements in space transportation.

Space Courses

This section, appearing in the "In This Issue" list, is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed as an article.

Rocky Mountain Navy Grows

This section, appearing in the "In This Issue" list, is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed as an article.

Navy's War on Drugs

This section, appearing in the "In This Issue" list, is not detailed in the provided pages but is listed as an article.

Satellite Communications: Enabling Information Technology for the Navy of the 21st Century

Authored by Thomas B. Sanford, this article details the "Information Technology for the 21st Century" (IT-21) initiative, which aims to enhance the usefulness and accessibility of satellite-based and shore-based communication systems for the Navy. IT-21 is described as a reprioritization of existing C4I programs to create a personal computer-based tactical/support warfighting network. It emphasizes the need for end-to-end network connectivity for afloat, ashore, and mobile naval forces, leveraging SATCOM and the Global Command and Control System (GCCS). The article discusses the various SATCOM mediums available (UHF, SHF, EHF, GBS, commercial) and their respective advantages and disadvantages. It highlights the critical dependence of naval forces on reliable SATCOM once they are deployed beyond line-of-sight. The IT-21 initiative seeks to create a Navy virtual intranet, linking all systems and providing access to global information grids. Naval Space Command is identified as the SATCOM Systems Expert (SSE) responsible for implementing IT-21.

NAVSPACECOM Designated Commercial SATCOM Manager

Written by Michael G. Brady, this article explains the Chief of Naval Operations' decision to designate Naval Space Command as the system operational manager (SOM) for all commercial SATCOM (COMMERSAT) programs. This decision was made to bring an "operator's perspective" to the management of these critical resources, especially with the start-up of the Navy's Commercial Wideband Satellite Program (CWSP), formerly known as "Challenge Athena." The article details the responsibilities of Naval Space Command's SATCOM Operations Branch, including overseeing CWSP and INMARSAT programs, and coordinating with supported Fleet units. It emphasizes the branch's focus on "service to the Fleet." The role of Commercial SATCOM Regional Representatives (CSRRs) is highlighted as a crucial link to the Fleet, assisting with issues, troubleshooting, and ensuring smooth operations. The article also touches upon the importance of commissioning INMARSAT terminals and the collection of trend analysis data.

Sailors on the 'Space Watch'

This article profiles the unique duty assignment of Sailors assigned to the Naval Space Operations Center (NAVSPOC) at Naval Space Command headquarters. These personnel, known as Space Warning Petty Officers (SWPOs), undergo rigorous training to qualify for their roles. They work in a real-time environment, serving as NAVSPOC's primary link to the Fleet, providing space force enhancement and support to naval operations worldwide. The article details the training curriculum, which covers fundamentals of security, Fleet support, geolocation, orbital mechanics, and satellite communications. It emphasizes the challenging nature of the job, which involves working with multiple services. The article also lists qualified SWPOs and Naval Watch Officers (NWOs), highlighting the collaborative efforts within NAVSPOC.

Naval Space Command Directory

Page 2 provides a directory of Naval Space Command, outlining its mission to provide direct space support to operational units. It lists various support services offered, including Operational Status/Exercise Support Summaries, Naval Space Operations Center, Naval Space Support, and the Remote Earth Sensing Information Center (RESIC). Contact information and web addresses for these services are provided. The directory also lists key personnel, including the Commander, Deputy Commander, Editor, contributors, and production and circulation staff. It also includes information about the publication itself, noting it is published five times a year and does not necessarily reflect official U.S. Government views.

Space Billets

Pages 4 and 10 list officer and enlisted billets within Naval Space Command, categorized by subspecialty codes related to Space Systems (General, Operations, Engineering). These listings provide information on transfer schedules, billet titles, and required qualifications, serving as a resource for personnel seeking assignments within the command.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing integration of space capabilities into naval operations, the critical importance of satellite communications, and the strategic imperative for the U.S. Navy to maintain assured access to space. There is a strong emphasis on the IT-21 initiative as a means to modernize naval information technology and enhance warfighting effectiveness through networked systems and robust SATCOM. The magazine also highlights the operational and strategic significance of Naval Space Command and its personnel in supporting these advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for greater investment and strategic focus on space capabilities for the Navy's future, contrasting the nation's entertainment spending with its investment in actual space exploration and utilization, as articulated in the "REAL Star Wars" piece.

Title: SPACE TRACKS
Issue: September/October 1999
Publisher: Naval Space Command
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Story: Navy Takes Control of Communications Satellites, Further Consolidates Military Space Operations

This cover story by Gary R. Wagner details the U.S. Navy's assumption of control over the Department of Defense's primary Ultra-High-Frequency Follow-On (UHF F/O) satellite communications systems from the U.S. Air Force. This event, occurring earlier this month, is presented as a significant step in the ongoing initiative to consolidate military space operations between the two services.

The Naval Space Command, through its component NAVSPACECOM based at Point Mugu, Calif., has taken operational control of the UHF F/O spacecraft. These satellites are now being flown via new connections to the Air Force's satellite control network. This transfer of Satellite Control Authority (SCA) is notable as it is only the second time such responsibility has moved between military branches. The first instance was in June 1996, when the Navy took control of four Fleet Satellite (FLTSAT) communications spacecraft from the Air Force.

The current transfer of SCA for the UHF F/O spacecraft represents the single largest exchange of satellites in U.S. military history. The UHF F/O constellation, consisting of eight satellites in geosynchronous orbits, provides worldwide communications at ultra-high and extremely-high frequencies. It also hosts the Global Broadcast System payload. A ninth spacecraft, which never reached its intended orbit, is under the control of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command for testing and evaluation. A tenth UHF F/O satellite is slated for launch in the fall to complete the operational constellation.

The consolidation is a direct result of a U.S. Space Command study that recommended merging satellite control systems into a common "plug and use" network. The initial phase of this consolidation led to the Navy assuming control of the FLTSAT spacecraft in 1996.

A joint-service team from NAVSOC and the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3rd SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base began work in 1996 to facilitate the UHF F/O transfer. An agreement stipulated that 3rd SOPS would retain responsibility for launch and early-orbit (LEO) operations, while NAVSOC would handle day-to-day operations following LEO of the last satellite. However, due to a reduction in 3rd SOPS personnel, an early turnover of UHF F/O satellites 2-9 to the Navy was arranged prior to the final launch.

NAVSOC began preparing for the UHF F/O mission in early 1996, studying necessary system upgrades. A four-phase transition plan was developed, starting in January 1997 with engineering and anomaly resolution studies. NAVSOC and 3rd SOPS personnel collaborated on technical aspects, with NAVSOC's Detachment Delta operators and engineers working closely with 3rd SOPS personnel. An officer from 3rd SOPS was temporarily assigned to NAVSOC to review pass plans. The second phase involved orbit analysis and mission planning, with personnel from both commands traveling between their respective locations.

The transfer of planning and operations functions from the Air Force to the Navy was completed in phases. During the third phase (June 1998), NAVSOC shadowed 3rd SOPS operations. The final phase, beginning in early 1999, focused on NAVSOC perfecting its commanding capability under 3rd SOPS' guidance. Satellite engineers from 3rd SOPS provided oversight and assistance with commanding and Y2K testing at Point Mugu. This cooperative effort is expected to yield significant savings for the Department of Defense, estimated at $500,000 annually, according to Tobias Nassif, director of operations for NAVSOC.

A ceremony on August 3 marked the official turnover of SCA. Lt. Col. Thomas W. Billick of 3rd SOPS sent the last Air Force operational command to UHF F/O Flight 2, symbolically handing over the "keys" to Navy Capt. James E. Lyons, commanding officer of NAVSOC, who then directed the first official Navy operational command to Flight 9. The ceremony also included a traditional Navy log entry to commemorate the event.

Capt. James Lyons Takes Command at NAVSOC

Captain James E. Lyons assumed command of the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) on May 25, relieving Cmdr. Monica Mathern. Capt. Lyons previously served as a military assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology. He is a 1974 Naval Academy graduate with a master's degree from Central Michigan University. During his command, he oversaw NAVSOC's transition from supporting one constellation to operating six constellations with 23 satellites.

News Briefs

Supporting Joint Task Force Southwest Asia: SPACE LIAISON OFFICER REPORT

Lt. Danny K. Busch recently completed a 120-day assignment in Saudi Arabia as the U.S. Space Command Liaison Officer (LNO) to the Commander, Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA), supporting Operation Southern Watch. The LNO's role involves coordinating space force enhancement and application to support the task force's mission, including enforcing UN Security Council resolutions regarding no-fly and no-drive zones in Iraq. Lt. Busch worked closely with the Space Weapons and Tactics Officer and reported to the Combined Air Operations Center director. His duties included ensuring end-to-end connectivity of missile warning networks, providing navigation accuracy assessments, and assisting with intelligence gathering. The expertise of the LNO is crucial for coordinating space force application, which includes measures for passive theater missile defense and ballistic missile intercept systems. Space control ensures friendly forces' access to space while denying adversaries the same. Lt. Busch's work was particularly relevant during Operation Desert Fox, an operation responding to increased "no-fly" zone violations by Iraqi forces, which involved significant theater missile defense activities. He served as the Theater Missile Defense/Space Cell coordinator for the Combined Air Operations Center, supporting over 9,000 combat sorties, including 600 during Operation Desert Fox. He also led a team to improve theater missile defense capabilities and situational awareness.

Surveillance Station Managers Visit NAVSPACECOM

Supervisors from Naval Space Command's surveillance field stations convened at Dahlgren, Va., from July 22-24. The conference addressed the command's mission, functions, and operations, as well as specific issues related to space surveillance tracking sites, including system diagnostics, environmental concerns, and Y2K software. Tours of the command's operations center and ADP facility were included. Attendees included Rear Adm. Thomas E. Zelibor, commander for Naval Space Command, and various station managers and technical supervisors.

Colonel John Hill New Deputy Commander

Colonel John T. Hill assumed the role of eighth Marine deputy commander for Naval Space Command in June, succeeding Col. Michael M. Henderson. Col. Hill previously served as chief of the C4 Systems Operations Division (J6) for the United States Space Command/North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado Springs, Colo. He was commissioned in March 1972 and designated a Naval Aviator in April 1974. His career includes extensive experience flying CH-53A "Sea Stallion" and CH-53D helicopters, serving as a flight instructor, and holding various leadership positions within Marine aviation units, including executive officer and operations officer. He also served in Southwest Asia during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Col. Hill's prior assignments include serving at the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va., and attending the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He was reassigned to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps as director of the Marine Corps Safety Division before his transfer to U.S. Space Command.

Space Courses

The magazine lists several upcoming courses offered by the Interservice Space Intelligence Operations Course (ISIOC), Interservice Space Intelligence Operations Senior Course (ISIOSC), and Interservice Space Fundamentals Course (ISFC). These courses are designed for military and civilian personnel across various services and cover topics related to space systems operations, intelligence, and environments. They are conducted at the Air Education and Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Work & Leisure

Space Race '99 Draws A Crowd

Nearly 70 participants, including runners, walkers, and skaters, took part in the "Space Race 99" sponsored by Naval Space Command at Dahlgren on May 19. The event featured competitions in running, walking, and skating, with trophies awarded for first place, runner-up, and best predicted time. All participants received a t-shirt with a Space Race '99 logo.

'Rocky Mountain Navy' Staff Grows in Support of U.S. Space Command

A bolstered cadre for Naval Space Command Detachment Colorado Springs has relocated to a new facility to enhance the Navy's space presence in the region. The detachment, headed by Marine Col. John Hill, Navy Capt. John Horsman, and Pieter Traas, includes five additional military and civilian personnel. The expanded staff aims to support U.S. Space Command's expanding missions, including space surveillance, space control, joint doctrine, and naval warfighting requirements. The detachment also represents the command in working groups and meetings in Colorado Springs. Cmdr. Teresia Robinson, detachment officer, highlighted the staff's collective experience and goal of building closer ties between the Naval Space Command headquarters and local organizations. The "Rocky Mountain Navy" staff is located in Bldg. 504 on Peterson Air Force Base.

NAVSPACECOM Salutes People of the Quarter

The magazine recognizes several individuals for their performance awards for January through March 1999 and April through June 1999.

January-March 1999 Awardees:

• Petty Officer 1st Class Yolanda Rivera: Sailor of the Quarter for her work as a Fleet Satellite (FLTSAT) communications scheduler, enabling enhanced communications for deployed ships.
• Petty Officer 2nd Class Tarris C. Randolph: Junior Sailor of the Quarter for his extensive work as a Space Warning Petty Officer and for organizing SWPO reference notebooks.
• Jean Q. Rowe: Senior Civilian of the Quarter for her planning and preparations for Y2K-related exercises and events, including information technology warfare/attack assessment demonstrations.
• Terri E. Smith: Civilian of the Quarter for her consistent customer support as a product analyst in the Naval Space Operations Center.
• Mitchell W. Gallahan: ADP Watchstander of the Quarter for quickly diagnosing and correcting malfunctions in the command's mission processing computer system and internet connections.
• Fred W. Firth: Operations Watchstander of the Quarter for his timely response in correcting an error related to the January leap second, ensuring accurate data.

April-June 1999 Awardees:

• Petty Officer 1st Class Diane L. Tucker: Sailor of the Quarter for her contributions as the leading petty officer in the Intelligence Branch, managing administrative and personnel issues.
• Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin D. Rawlings: Junior Sailor of the Quarter for installing and configuring the command's classified and unclassified information networks.
• Seaman Keith R. Kappel: Bluejacket of the Quarter for his work as assistant systems administrator for the command's Intelligence Branch, managing critical intelligence systems and assisting with graphic production.
• Jonathan P. Boers: Senior Civilian of the Quarter for his accomplishments as mission support officer and operational test and evaluation officer in the command's Intelligence/Operations Division.

Colonel M. M. Henderson Ends 'Unprecedented' Tour as Deputy

Marine Col. Michael M. Henderson, deputy commander for Naval Space Command since July 1997, was presented with a second Legion of Merit award upon his retirement on May 28. Col. Henderson, the seventh Marine to serve in this role, retired after 30 years of military service. His award recognized his "unprecedented tour" during which he served five months as acting commander and provided "critical leadership and vision" through periods of high personnel turnover. During his tenure, the command implemented a new watch officer program and upgraded the Navy's presence at U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs.

Decorated Service

This section lists individuals who received awards and commendations:

• Legion of Merit: Col. Michael M. Henderson.
• Meritorious Service Medal: Cmdr. Jane E. Hoffman.
• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals: Lt.Cmdr. Jeffrey E. DeBolt, Lt. David A. Bermingham, Lt. Mark G. Fickel, IS1(SW) Charles J. Taylor, Jr., OS1 Ricky E. Fortner, EWC James D. Harrison, Jr.
• Joint Service Achievement Medal: Lt. Danny K. Busch.
• Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medals: Lt. Patrick C. Corcoran, Lt. Jeffrey L. Goerges, BUC Rodney A. Gardner, CTO1 Brian W. Cantleberry, RM1(SW) James B. Allred, RM2 Tanji R. Johnson, RM1 Marie M. Norman, ET2 Gregory M. Combs, IS3 Brian P. Shepos.
• Good Conduct Medals: OS2 Jesse Woods (2nd), OS3 Benne Clark (2nd), DS2 Kevin Rawlings (2nd), OS2 Christopher Apple (2nd), EW2 Jeremy Crow (2nd), OS2 Brian Groat (2nd), ET2 William Grace (3rd), CTO3 Michael Heissenbuttle (3rd), CTA1 Elizabeth Foster (3rd), CTM1 Cassaundra McDaniel (3rd), RM2 Dean Haworth (3rd), RM2 William Watson (3rd), OSC David Litten (4th), ET1 Clayton Frayser (4th), CTACS Denise Collins (5th), DS1 Michael Werner (5th), RM1 Marie Norman (5th).
• U.S. Navy Expert Pistol Medals: Cmdr. David C. Lyon, Cmdr. Gerald N. Smith.
• U.S. Navy Marksman Rifle Ribbons: EW2 Bob E. Baker, OS2 Rockell R. Powell.
• U.S. Navy Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbons: LT Roger J. Lucas, OS2 Jessie V. Woods.
• Advancements: EW1(SW) Eric Laursen, OS2 Jeri D. Bloch, OS2 Benne J. Clark.
• Letters of Commendation: IS1(SW) Charles J. Taylor, Jr., IS1 Diane L. Tucker, RM1(SW) Yolanda Rivera, OS2 Tarris C. Randolph, ET2 Kevin Rawlings, CTO2 Keith Dickinson, ET2 Gregory M. Combs, ET2 William J. Grace, ET2 Brian W. Malone, ISSN Keith R. Kappel, Jonathan P. Boers, Jean Q. Rowe, Terri E. Smith, Bonnie D. Watson, Mitchell W. Gallahan, Herbert V. Reynolds, Fred W. Firth, Richard K. Mason, Francis S. Cage, Robert E. Taylor.
• Letters of Appreciation: Lt. Bryan L. Jung.

DEFY Students Learn About Navy's Hand in War on Drugs

This article by JO2 Kaye Trammell highlights the role of the Fleet Surveillance Support Command (FSSC) in Chesapeake, Va., in fighting the war on drugs. FSSC operates the Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar (ROTHR), a system feared by drug smugglers for its targeting capabilities. The command supports the Joint Interagency Task Force East in implementing the National Drug Control Strategy. This summer, Sailors of FSSC hosted children from the Drug Education for Youth (DEF) program, a two-week initiative aimed at educating pre-teens about the dangers of drug use. The program uses a hands-on approach, including visits to organizations like the city prison, to show children the effects of drugs and alcohol. Cmdr. Kevin Uhrich, commanding officer of FSSC, explained ROTHR's success, noting that last year it aided in the confiscation of 3,931 kilograms of cocaine, 19 aircraft, and five surface vessels, leading to 22 drug traffickers' arrests. Uhrich emphasized the significant social, health, and criminal costs associated with illegal drugs, estimated at $67 billion annually. He stressed the importance of educating youth to prevent drug use.

Calendar

This section lists upcoming meetings, symposia, and courses:

Meetings & Symposia:

• Naval Warfare Exposition & Symposium, Sept. 29-30, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Information Systems Security Exposition, Oct. 19-20, Crystal City, Va.
• Infotech 1999 Conference & Exposition, Oct. 19-21, Dayton, Ohio.
• Fall Intelligence Symposium, Oct. 27-28, Washington, D.C.
• MILCOM '99, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, Atlantic City, N.J.
• Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Systems and Applications Meeting, Dec. 7-9, Dana Point, Calif.
• West 2000, Feb. 10-11, San Diego, Calif.

Courses & Seminars:

• AFCEA Professional Development Center: Courses include "The U.S. Intelligence Community: Who Does What, With What, For What?" (Feb. 9-10, San Diego), "Principles of Communications With Applications in Military Systems" (Feb. 8-11, San Diego), "C4ISR Architecture Framework Implementation" (Feb. 8-11, San Diego), and "Digital Data Communications & Emerging Technologies" (Feb. 29-March 2, Fairfax, Va.).
• Applied Technology Institute: Courses include "Satellite Industry Status & Trends" (Dec. 6, Bethesda, Md.), "Launch Vehicle Selection, Performance & Use" (Dec. 7-9, Huntsville, Ala., and Feb. 1-3, Cape Canaveral, Fla.), "Fundamentals of Orbital & Launch Mechanics" (Dec. 14-16, Beltsville, Md., and Feb. 8-10, Albuquerque, N.M.), "Hyperspectral Imaging" (Jan. 18-20, College Park, Md.), and "Satellite Design & Technology" (Jan. 24-27, Beltsville, Md.).

Department of the Navy

Information for the Naval Space Command, including its address in Dahlgren, VA, is provided, along with a notice regarding address correction and official business.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE TRACKS revolve around the consolidation of military space operations, particularly between the Navy and Air Force, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The magazine highlights personnel achievements and career developments within the Naval Space Command, showcasing individual contributions and leadership. There is also a focus on the Navy's role in broader national security efforts, such as combating drug trafficking. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the activities, personnel, and strategic initiatives of the Naval Space Command and its associated organizations, emphasizing professionalism, technological advancement, and inter-service cooperation.