THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- U.S. Space Force Col. Shay Warakomski, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander, visited Airmen, Guardians and coalition service members at Thule Air Base, Greenland, from Nov. 3 - 5, 2021.
The 821st Air Base Group is aligned under P-S GAR and remains postured to enable force projection, space superiority and scientific research in the Arctic region for the U.S. and its allies. These primary missions are accomplished by a mission-focused team delivering world-class operational support through cooperation, resiliency and response across the Arctic domain.
U.S. Space Force Col. Heather McGee, 821st Air Base Group commander, hosted Warakomski’s visit to the sole Department of Defense installation positioned above the Arctic Circle. McGee highlighted and explained the successes and challenges faced in one of the most austere environments, where all operations are powered and fueled internally, with the nearest populated village being over 70 miles away.
Warakomski had the opportunity to visit with service members from air traffic control, security forces, airfield operations, weather, medical, logistics readiness, communications, force support, civil engineering, chapel services and finance, learning first-hand how they support the mission at Thule AB. Key mission areas discussed included planned facilities, sustainment, restoration and modernization projects to mitigate risks in response to the challenges with maintaining and operating the power and infrastructure systems in Thule’s environment. Other topics included initiatives to improve Thule’s Air Force Research Laboratory, Low-Earth Orbit, Starlink terminals, Communications Satellite upgrades, and support for U.S. Northern Command events in the Arctic.
During Warakomski’s two-day visit, he was also familiarized with space missions executed by the 12th Space Warning Squadron and the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1. 12th SWS’s radar is one of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Sensors assigned to U.S. Space Command, responsible for performing missile warning, missile defense and space domain awareness. 23rd SOPS, DET 1 is responsible for performing telemetry, tracking and commanding operations support of U.S. and allied satellite programs.
The trip closed out with a town hall meeting where Warakomski had the opportunity to address Team Thule, providing insight into the ongoing organizational restructuring initiatives under P-S GAR and thanking service members for their efforts in continuing to advance the U.S. Air Force and USSF missions.