Monitoring Team of Space Force Identified and Recognized for Their Role in Tracking Iranian Missiles
The 11th Space Warning Squadron (11th SWS) has been at the forefront of missile warning operations, with a history dating back to Operation Desert Storm where they provided early warnings for Iraqi Scud missile launches. Today, the squadron operates from Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, managing the Space-Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) satellite constellation and the Overhead Persistent Infra-Red Battlespace Awareness Center [3].
In 2024, the 11th SWS demonstrated their operational prowess during two significant events, thwarting Iranian missile barrages in April and October. The Guardians of the 11th SWS tracked approximately 300 missiles, enabling U.S. Air Force fighter pilots to successfully intercept and destroy hundreds of incoming missiles, significantly enhancing defense response and on-time missile warning with an increase of 69 percent in timely alerts [1][3].
Their exceptional performance earned them the first-ever General Atomics Space Force Unit of the Year award for 2024, presented by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. This award recognises Space Force units that provide essential capabilities in largely unseen operational domains [1][3]. The honour highlights the 11th SWS's ability to operate under extreme pressure, deliver precise early warnings, and test cutting-edge systems, including the Future Operation Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system, a new ground architecture for space-based missile warning designed to handle greater volumes of missile launches more quickly and under cyber attack [1][3].
Notably, many of the Guardians who proved their mettle during these attacks were new recruits, fresh out of high school [2]. Lt. Col. Amanda Manship, the commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron, has seen the core values of the Space Force—commitment, connection, and courage—reflected in her team daily [4]. As she prepares for her change of command, the 11th SWS continues to push the boundaries of missile warning and defence, ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies. [1][3]
References:
- SpaceNews
- Air Force Magazine
- Space Force Fact Sheet
- Space Force Interview with Lt. Col. Amanda Manship
- The 11th Space Warning Squadron, recognized for their exceptional work in missile warning operations, is stationed at Buckley Space Force Base, managing the SBIRS satellite constellation and the Overhead Persistent Infra-Red Battlespace Awareness Center.
- In 2024, the squadron showcased their operational prowess during two critical events, intercepting and destroying hundreds of incoming missiles, thereby enhancing defense response and increasing timely alerts by 69 percent.
- The Guardians of the 11th SWS were honored with the General Atomics Space Force Unit of the Year award for 2024, acknowledging their essential contributions in the unseen operational domains of aerospace and space-and-astronomy.
- Many of the new recruits who demonstrated their bravery during the missile attacks were high school graduates, reflecting the core values of the Space Force—commitment, connection, and courage—within the squadron.
- The Future Operation Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) system, a new ground architecture for space-based missile warning, is one of the cutting-edge systems that the 11th SWS is testing to handle greater volumes of missile launches more swiftly, even under cyber attack.
- Operating under extreme pressure and delivering precise early warnings, the 11th SWS continues to pioneer advancements in space and defense technology, ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.
