The 3rd Space Operations Squadron and Boeing technicians at Schriever AFB, Colo. are running early-orbit operations of the first Wideband Global SATCOM launched last week. SSgt. Don Branum reports that the 3rd SOPS team took charge from Boeing’s El Segundo, Calif., satellite operations facility about 30 minutes after the satellite launched. The arrangement gives airmen of 3rd SOPS “hands-on experience” in the initial stages of operation, said Col. Clinton Crosier, 50th Operations Group commander at Schriever. In about 90 days, after a series of tests and maneuvers to position the satellite into its final geosynchronous orbit, Boeing will turn over control authority to 3rd SOPS.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.