The Joint Functional Component Command for Space, headquartered at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., has some 200 personnel within its staff, the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), and Air Force Space Command units, supporting relief operations in Haiti, following the devastating Jan. 12 7.0 magnitude earthquake. News of the earthquake triggered a standing process at the 24/7 JSpOC, including beginning matching available space assets to anticipated relief needs. “JFCC-Space coordinates and commands the assets that provide capabilities that are not only required but essential to all operations inclusive of combat and humanitarian support,” said Squadron Leader Chris Robson, assigned by the Royal Australian Air Force to the 614th Air and Space Operations Center at Vandenberg. (Vandenberg report by SSgt. Benjamin Rojek)
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.