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4th Space Operations Squadron
Squadron emblem
Active	1941–1946; 1947–1949; 1952–1958; 1992–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Space Force
Role	Satellite Operations
Part of	Space Delta 8
Garrison/HQ	Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado
Motto(s)	Linking the Forces (since 1994)
Engagements	American Theater Southwest Pacific Theater (Air & China Offensive) Global War on Terrorism
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
Current commander	Lt Col Michelle L. Haines
Notable commanders	John E. Shaw
Insignia
4th Space Operations Squadron (in use until transfer to the Space Force)
4th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron emblem (approved 20 January 1956)
4th Photographic Mapping Squadron emblem (approved 14 July 1943)

The United States Space Force's 4th Space Operations Squadron (4 SOPS) is a satellite operations unit located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. 4 SOPS is part of Space Delta 8 and responsible for command and control of the Milstar/Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III, and Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellations. The 4th Space Operations Squadron's mission is to operate the Space Force's protected and wideband MILSATCOM systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. The squadron also operates three mobile constellation control stations at various locations in conjunction with host partners. At higher readiness levels and during exercises, these personnel deploy with U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Northern Command respectively.

Additionally, they provide reliable space-borne communications to national authorities, U.S. and Allied forces. The 4 SOPS' motto "Linking the Forces" reflects the squadron's responsibility to enhance the nation's secure and wideband communications capability for today's military forces. Command and control of satellites is provided through dedicated Extremely High Frequency antennas and the Satellite Control Network.

The multi-satellite constellation links command authorities to high-priority U.S. forces via communications terminals on aircraft, ships, submarines, trucks, and ground sites with encrypted voice, data, teletype, or facsimile communications. They also provide secure high-rate data communications links to the President, Secretary of Defense, theater commanders and strategic and tactical forces worldwide.

History

World War II

Established under the 1st Photographic Group in May 1941. Performed aerial mapping primarily over the southwestern United States prior to the Pearl Harbor Attack using Beechcraft F-2 Expeditor variants of the Beechcraft Model 18 which were equipped for the reconnaissance role.

After the United States entry into World War II, flew aerial mapping missions over Western Canada and Alaska, mapping uncharted territory to support the building of the Alaska Highway. Deployed to South America in 1942–1943; mapping locations in British Guiana and Brazil for locations of emergency airfields as part of the development of the South Atlantic Transport Route.

Attached to 13th Air Force in late 1944; engaged in long-range mapping and reconnaissance over combat areas in support of seaborne landings in the Southwest Pacific Area and the liberation of the Philippines. Remained in the Pacific Theater after V-J Day performing reconnaissance mapping flights over Japan, Korea, and China. Unit largely demobilized on Okinawa. Inactivated in early 1946.

Air Force reserve

Active from 1947 to 1949 at Niagara Falls Municipal Airport as a reserve unit. Apparently not fully staffed or equipped.

Strategic Air Command

Reactivated in 1952 as part of Strategic Air Command. Mission was to gather intelligence on a global scale. The squadron operated Boeing RB-47 Stratojet medium bombers refitted for aerial reconnaissance and mapping missions. Flew day and night strategic reconnaissance missions over a global scale. Inactivated due to budget reductions in 1958.

Space unit

Activated at Falcon Air Force Station, Colorado in 1992 as a space unit. Four SOPS transferred to the United States Space Force on July 24, 2020, and became part of Space Delta 8.

Lineage

• Constituted as the 4th Photographic Squadron on 15 May 1941

Activated on 10 June 1941

Redesignated 4th Mapping Squadron on 13 January 1942

Redesignated 4th Photographic Mapping Squadron on 9 June 1942

Redesignated 4th Photographic Charting Squadron on 11 August 1943

Redesignated 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, Long Range, Photographic on 15 June 1945

Redesignated 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, Very Long Range, Photographic on 20 November 1945

Inactivated on 14 April 1946

• Redesignated 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, Photographic on 5 September 1947

Activated in the reserve on 20 September 1947

Inactivated on 27 June 1949

• Redesignated 4th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Medium on 9 May 1952

Activated on 28 May 1952

Inactivated on 1 July 1958

• Redesignated 4th Space Operations Squadron on 1 April 1992

Activated on 30 April 1992

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft

• Beechcraft F-2 Expeditor, 1941–1942
• A-29 Hudson, 1942
• B-34 Lexington, 1943–1944
• B-24/F7 Liberator, 1943–1946
• Unknown, 1947–1949
• Boeing YRB-47 Stratojet, 1953–1958
• Boeing RB-47 Stratojet, 1953–1958
• Boeing B-47 Stratojet, 1953–1958
• Satellites, 1992–present

List of commanders

• Lt Col Charles Thompson, March 1992 – June 1993
• Lt Col Kimber McKenzie, June 1993 – January 1995
• Lt Col Michael Mantz, January 1995 – August 1996
• Lt Col Philip Fitzjarrell, August 1996 – March 1999
• Lt Col Allan Kirkman, March 1999 – February 2001
• Lt Col Roger Teague, February 2001 – June 2003
• Lt Col Ronald L. Huntley, June 2003 – June 2005
• Lt Col John E. Shaw, June 2005 – June 2007
• Lt Col Tommy Roberts, June 2007 – June 2009
• Lt Col Douglas A. Schiess, 19 June 2009 – June 2011
• Lt Col Scott Trinrud, 24 June 2011 – June 2013
• Lt Col Monte Munoz, 19 June 2013 – July 2015
• Lt Col Sherman Johns, July 2015 – July 2017
• Lt Col Armon Lansing, 13 July 2017 – July 2019
• Lt Col Timothy Ryan, July 2019 – 17 June 2021
• Lt Col Brian Dea, 17 June 2021 – 20 July 2023
• Lt Col Michelle L. Haines, 20 July 2023 – present

References

Notes

1. ^ Robertson, Patsy (1 December 2008). "Factsheet 4 Spece Operations Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
2. ^ Endicott, pp. 351–352
3. No byline (13 July 2012). "Schreiver AFB About us: 4th Space Operations Squadron Fact Sheet". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 8 August 2018. (updated February 2018)
4. ^ "4th Space Operations Squadron". Retrieved 11 January 2023.
5. Foster, SSG Stacy (2009). "Close friends participate in 4th SOPS change of command" (PDF). Vol. 3, no. 25. Schreiver Sentinel. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
6. No byline (24 June 2011). "4 SOPS changes command". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
7. No byline (19 June 2013). "4 SOPS welcomes new commander". 50th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
8. "Schriever bids squadron farewell; welcomes 4 SOPS commander".
9. "4th Space Operations Squadron changes command". Schriever Air Force Base. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
10. "Dea assumes command". Schriever Air Force Base. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
11. "4 SOPS Change of Command". DVIDS. Retrieved 6 August 2023.

Bibliography

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

• Endicott, Judy G. (1998). Active Air Force Wings as of 1 October 1995 and USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995 (PDF). Air Force History and Museums Program. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ASIN B000113MB2. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) . Air Force Combat Units of World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-02-1. LCCN 61060979. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
• Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) . Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6. LCCN 70605402. OCLC 72556. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
• Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-12-9. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

v t e United States Space Force
Leadership	Department of the Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Under Secretary of the Air Force Space Staff Chief of Space Operations Vice Chief of Space Operations Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Director of Staff Deputy Chiefs of Space Operations General Officers Generals Lieutenant Generals Oversight House Armed Services Committee Strategic Forces subcommittee Senate Committee on Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee
Structure	Field commands Space Futures Command Space Operations Command Commander Space Systems Command Commander Space Training and Readiness Command Commander Component Field Commands United States Space Forces Central United States Space Forces Europe and Africa United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific United States Space Forces Korea United States Space Forces – Space Deltas Space Delta 1 Mission Delta 2 Mission Delta 3 Mission Delta 4 Space Delta 5 Space Delta 6 Space Delta 7 Space Delta 8 Space Delta 9 Space Delta 10 Space Delta 11 Space Delta 12 Space Delta 13 Space Delta 15 Space Delta 18 Space Delta 21 Space Delta 23 Space Delta 26 Space Launch Delta 30 Mission Delta 31 Space Launch Delta 45 Space Base Delta 1 Space Base Delta 2 Space Base Delta 3 Squadrons 1st Delta Operations 319th Combat Training 328th Weapons 392d Combat Training 533rd Training 21st Operations Support 15th Space Surveillance 18th Space Defense 19th Space Defense 20th Space Surveillance 3rd Combat Training 4th EW 5th EW 16th EW 23rd EW 2nd Space Warning 3rd satellite Communications 5th Space Warning 6th Space Warning 7th Space Warning 10th Space Warning 11th Space Warning 12th Space Warning 13th Space Warning 55th Combat Training 21st Space Operations 22nd Space Operations 23rd Space Operations 62nd Cyberspace 63rd Cyberspace 64th Cyberspace 65th Cyberspace 68th Cyberspace 69th Cyberspace 645th Cyberspace 71st ISR 72nd ISR 73rd ISR 74th ISR 75th ISR 76th ISR 1st Space Operations 2nd Navigation Warfare 3rd Space Operations 4th Space Operations 10th Space Operations 53rd Space Operations 527th Space Aggressor 1st Test and Evaluation 3rd Test and Evaluation 17th Test and Evaluation 25th Space Range 2nd Space Launch 5th Space Launch 1st Range Operations NSSI Direct reporting units Space Development Agency Space Rapid Capabilities Office Space Warfighting Analysis Center
Locations	Space Force Bases Buckley Los Angeles Patrick Peterson Schriever Vandenberg Space Bases Pituffik Space Force Stations Cape Canaveral Cape Cod Cavalier Cheyenne Mountain Clear Kaena Point New Boston
Personnel and training	Astronauts Awards and decorations Badges Ranks Training Academy Reserve Officer Training Corps Officer Training School Basic Military Training Uniforms
History and traditions	Delta Flag History Seal "Semper Supra" Air & Space Forces Association Space Force Association Former wings and deltas 21st Space Wing 50th Space Wing 460th Space Wing Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)

v t e Space Operations Command
Air Forces	Fourteenth (Strategic)
Centers	Space and Missile Systems Space Innovation and Development 614th Air and Space Operations
Bases	Buckley Los Angeles Patrick Peterson Schriever Thule Vandenberg
Stations	Cape Canaveral Cape Cod Cavalier Cheyenne Mountain Clear Eldorado (closed) Kaena Point New Boston Onizuka (closed)
Space wings	21st 30th 45th 50th 310th 460th
Air Base groups	61st 821st Air Base Group
Squadrons	Command and Control 1st 2d 3d 4th 55th Mobile 119th 153d 222d 721st Mobile Space Control 1st 4th 16th 20th 25th 76th 380th Space Launch 1st 2nd 3d Space Launch Squadron 4th 5th Space Operations 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 19th 21st 22d 23d 111th 148th AFSPC Space Warning 2nd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 137th 213th Others 26th Space Aggressor (AFRC) 527th Space Aggressor (ACC) 3d Space Communications 50th Space Communications 850th Space Communications 1st Space Development Squadron 2d Space Development Squadron 3d Space Development Squadron 3rd Space Experimentation 1st Space Surveillance 3d Space Surveillance 5th Space Surveillance 1st Air and Space Test 2d Test Operations Squadron 3d Space Test Squadron 4th Space Test Squadron 55th Space Weather

v t e USAAF Thirteenth Air Force in World War II
Airfields	Pacific USAAF in the South Pacific USAAF in the Southwest Pacific
Units	Commands XIII Bomber XIII Fighter Groups Fighter 18th Fighter 347th Fighter 414th Fighter Bomber 5th Bombardment 11th Bombardment 42d Bombardment 307th Bombardment Reconnaissance 4th Reconnaissance Troop Carrier 403d Troop Carrier Squadrons Bombardment 100th Bombardment 868th Bombardment Night Fighter 418th Night Fighter 419th Night Fighter 550th Night Fighter Reconnaissance 4th Photographic Charting 17th Photographic Reconnaissance 36th Photographic Reconnaissance 38th Photographic Reconnaissance Troop Carrier 13th Troop Carrier
United States Army Air Forces First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Seventh Eighth Ninth Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Thirteenth Fourteenth Fifteenth Twentieth

• Squadrons of the United States Space Force
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