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)
A B-52H bomber launched a simulated AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response hypersonic missile at a target some 600 miles away during the ongoing Northern Edge exercise in Alaska, the Air Force said. The simulated shot was a success and demonstrated Airborne Battle Management System techniques to facilitate the kill chain for…