Space Delta 18 Explained

Unit Name:Space Delta 18
National Space Intelligence Center
Dates:24 June 2022–present
Type:Delta
Role:Space intelligence
Size:350 personnel (expected)[1]
Command Structure:Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence
Garrison:Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Garrison Label:Headquarters
Commander1:Col Marcus D. Starks
Commander1 Label:Commander
Commander2:Cheryl Richmond[2]
Commander2 Label:Deputy Director
Commander3:CMSgt Melissa M. Owens[3]
Commander3 Label:Senior Enlisted Leader

Space Delta 18 (DEL 18) is a United States Space Force unit that serves as the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC). It is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio and activated on 24 June 2022.

NSIC is a field operating agency that is responsible for performing national and military space missions and evaluating capabilities, performance, limitations, and vulnerabilities of space and counter-space systems and services. It is the Space Force's counterpart to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). [1]

History

The establishment of NSIC was ordered by Chief of Space Operations John W. Raymond.[4] It will be formed by transferring NASIC's Space Analysis Squadron and Counter-Space Analysis Squadron from the Space and Missiles Analysis Group to the Space Force.[5] Then Air Force Major General Leah Lauderback, the Space Force director of intelligence (S2)—to whom the center will ultimately report—led the planning effort. Congressional authorization is needed to create a field operating agency that reports directly to the S2.[1]

Awaiting funding for the establishment of the NSIC, the Space Force stood up the Space Force Intelligence Activity (SFIA) on 24 September 2021 as an interim unit. SFIA served under NASIC until the establishment of NSIC.[6] On 24 June 2022, NSIC was activated as Space Delta 18.[7]

On 28 June 2024, DEL 18 and NSIC were transferred from SpOC and redesignated as a field operating agency under the deputy chief of space operations for intelligence.[8]

Symbolism

The Space Delta 18's emblem design incorporates elements from the intelligence and space communities, its National Air and Space Intelligence Center heritage, and looks to the future. It consists of the following elements:[9]

DEL 18 took on the number 18 in honor of the Space Force becoming the 18th member of the United States Intelligence Community on 15 January 2021.[7] [10]

Structure

DEL 18 is composed of the following two squadrons transferred from NASIC's Space and Missiles Analysis Group.[11]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Space Force Prepares to Launch National Space Intelligence Center. 27 April 2021. SIGNAL Magazine. 20 August 2021. 20 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210820091505/https://www.afcea.org/content/space-force-prepares-launch-national-space-intelligence-center. live.
  2. Web site: Ms. Cheryl Richmond .
  3. Web site: Chief Master Sergeant Melissa M. Owens. www.spoc.spaceforce.mil. 24 June 2022. 20 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220920024028/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/3066006/chief-master-sergeant-melissa-m-owens. live.
  4. https://media.defense.gov/2020/Nov/09/2002531998/-1/-1/0/CSO%20PLANNING%20GUIDANCE.PDF
  5. Web site: National Space Intelligence Center Takes Shape. 16 November 2020. 20 August 2021. 20 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210820091449/https://www.airforcemag.com/national-space-intelligence-center-takes-shape/. live.
  6. Web site: Space Force intelligence organization established at Wright Patterson Air Force Base . 4 October 2021 . 11 October 2021 . 20 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220920024029/https://spacenews.com/space-force-establishes-intelligence-analysis-organization-at-wright-patterson-air-force-base/ . live .
  7. Web site: Space Delta 18 Activation, NSIC establishment ceremony. Space Operations Command (SpOC). 22 June 2022 . 24 June 2022. 25 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220625130511/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3069885/space-delta-18-activation-nsic-establishment-ceremony. live.
  8. Web site: NSIC changes commanders, redesignated Field Operating Agency. 1 July 2024. United States Space Force.
  9. Web site: Space Delta 18 (National Space Intelligence Center) Emblem Explainer .
  10. Web site: US Space Force Becomes 18th Member of US Intelligence Community. Defense One. 8 January 2021 . 20 August 2021. 27 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210727123136/https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/01/us-space-force-becomes-18th-member-us-intelligence-community/171285/. live.
  11. Web site: Space Delta 18. Space Operations Command (SpOC). 24 June 2022. 24 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220624063633/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3065435/space-delta-18. live.