Frank Kendall, the Pentagon’s acquisition czar, has approved OCX, the Air Force’s next-generation GPS operational control system, to proceed into engineering and manufacturing development, announced service space officials. Kendall’s decision came on Oct. 11, according to the Oct. 26 release from the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. “The successful outcome of the decision is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of a government and industry team working collectively to ensure improved GPS services to users around the globe,” said Col. Bernie Gruber, GPS directorate head at Los Angeles. OCX will replace the current GPS ground control element and give satellite controllers the ability to manage future constellations of more sophisticated GPS positioning, navigation, and timing satellites. The Air Force will field the Raytheon-supplied system in blocks of capability. Block 0 is scheduled for availability in late Fiscal 2014 to support the launch of GPS III satellites, states the release. Block 1 will follow in early Fiscal 2016.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.