PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The New Boston Air Force Station, home to the 23d Space Operations Squadron, has been renamed to better reflect its role in the U.S. Space Force.
Following a ceremony held at 2 p.m. July 12, it is now known as New Boston Space Force Station. The station is located approximately 10 miles west of Manchester, New Hampshire.
“This is an exciting and historic time to be part of the space mission,” said Master Sgt. Kyle Duley, 23d Space Operations Squadron superintendent. “The launch of the U.S. Space Force propels us into a new era, where the sky is no longer the limit, and New Boston Space Force Station is proud to be a part of that history and vital mission.” Col. Roy Rockwell, Space Delta 6 commander, presided over the renaming ceremony.
A change of command was also held, during which USAF Lt. Col. Daniel Highlander relinquished command to USSF Lt. Col. David Zesinger. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition in which the subordinate members of the command witness the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one officer to another. Col. Roy Rockwell, Space Delta 6 commander, presided over the change of command ceremony.
The 23d Space Operations Squadron has been operational for more than 60 years. Part of U.S. Space Force Delta 6 – Space Access & Cyberspace Operations, headquartered at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, the 23d SOPS is part of a crucial network of sites operating 24 hours per day, providing critical satellite command and control capability to more than 190 Department of Defense, national and civilian satellites performing intelligence, weather, navigation, early-warning and communications operations.
New Boston SFS is operated by the Peterson-Schriever Garrison in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which provides mission support to six installations and more than 18,000 military and civilian personnel, as well as numerous U.S. Space Force missions around the globe.