Pituffik SB, Greenland

Pituffik Space Base (pronounced bee-doo-FEEK), formerly known as Thule Air Base (pronounced too-lee), is located in Greenland—a country within the Kingdom of Denmark and inhabited by approximately 56,000 people. Greenland covers nearly 840,000 square miles; more than 80 percent is covered either by the ice cap or smaller glaciers. Pituffik SB is locked in by ice nine months out of the year, but the airfield is open and operated year round.

Pituffik SB, the DoD's northernmost installation, is operated by the 821st Space Base Group and part of Space Base Delta 1.

Pituffik SB exists today due to agreements between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark, specifically addressing mutual defense. Strategically, Pituffik SB’s “Top of the World” vantage point enables Space Superiority. Pituffik SB supports Missile Warning, Missile Defense and Space Surveillance missions from the solid-state phased-array radar operated by the 12th Space Warning Squadron (12 SWS) and Satellite Command and Control through the Pituffik Tracking Station operated by the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1 (Det-1).

821st SPACE BASE GROUP (821 SBG)
The mission of the 821st SpaceBase Group is to enable force protection, space superiority and scientific research in the Arctic Region for our nation and allies through integrated base support and defense operations. The 821 SBG operates not only the DoD's northernmost installation but also the world's northernmost deep-water Seaport and provides a unique platform for arctic training, international scientific research and environmental programs.

821st SUPPORT SQUADRON (821 SPTS)
The mission of the 821st Support Squadron is to provide outstanding mission support to enable force projection, space superiority, and scientific research in the Arctic Region for our Nation and allies. This is done through engineering, medical, communication, logistics, services and airfield operations in support of the 821 SBG and tenant organizations. Most personnel within the squadron serve as Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) for the Base Maintenance Contract.

821st SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON (821 SFS)
The mission of the 821st Security Forces Squadron is to DEFEND, TRUST, and CHALLENGE. Defend the base and each other. Trust each other enabling candid feedback and allow room for growth. Last but not least, Challenge each other and yourself every day to be better! Our mission set ranges from providing security to protection level resources, to investigating mishaps and crimes at Pituffik.

12th SPACE WARNING SQUADRON (12 SWS)
The mission of the 12th Space Warning Squadron is to execute flawless Missile Warning, Missile Defense, and innovative Space Surveillance operations in order to deter aggression, secure space, and if necessary, prevail in conflict. 12 SWS crews operate the Upgraded Early Warning Radar weapon system, a phased-array radar that detects and reports attack assessments of sea-launched and intercontinental ballistic missile threats in support of strategic missile warning and missile defense. Additionally, the radar supports Space Domain Awareness by tracking and characterizing objects in orbit around the earth. 12 SWS is part of the United State Space Force and reports to Space Delta 4, located at Buckley SFB, Colorado.

23rd SPACE OPERATIONS SQUADRON, DETACHMENT 1 (23 SOPS, Det. 1)
23 SOPS, Detachment 1 is one of seven Remote Tracking Stations in the Satellite Control Network. Located approximately 3.5 miles NE of Pituffik main base, Det 1 provides access to satellites for over 20K annual supports to the US Department of Defense, the US Government, and our allies. Detachment 1 reports to the 23rd Space Operations Squadron at New Boston Space Force Station, New Hampshire, which in turn reports to Space Delta 6 located at Schriever SFB, Colorado.

Pituffik images

Pituffik SB Operator
Comm: (719) 474-3840
DSN:629-3234
International: +299.976606/976585

Danish Liaison Office
Comm: (719) 474-3840 ext. 2612
DSN: 629-2612
International: + 299.976526/594126
Email: DLO@thule.af.mil or fotab@greennet.gl

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web site: http://www.um.dk/en
Address: Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asiatisk Plads 2, DK 1448, Copenhagen K.
Phone: +45.3392.0000
Fax: +45.3254.0533
Email: um@um.dk
Email to submit permits: nfg@um.dk
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0900L-1600L

Note: Travel to PituffikSB is limited and only for direct mission support. If there is a valid requirement, review the Foreign Clearance Guide for further instructions on how to initiate a Travel Coordination Request.

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21st SFS MWD Section partners with the 4th CAB for immersive MWD training

Space Base Delta 1

Video by Senior Airman Justin Todd

Nov. 20, 2024 | 1:52

The 21st Security Forces Squadron is committed to ensuring the safety and readiness of personnel at Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain SFS. The Military Working Dog section recently partnered with the 4th Combat Brigade (TAG ON FB) at Fort Carson for a joint combat operation that prepared the MWD handlers for the realities of deployed environments. This training ensuring that the MWD handlers are field-combat ready and capable of operating effectively under pressure.

For the training, the MWDs and their handlers were trained in real-world scenarios, which involved acclimating MWDs to helicopter operations, including loud engines, tight spaces, and in-flight dynamics. It also focused on scenarios such as pressure plate detection, IED searches, and building clearance for potential threats. Special emphasis was placed on developing teamwork between handlers and spotters to ensure 360° situational awareness.

This vital training ensures that 21 SFS defenders and their MWD partners are prepared to operate safely and effectively in the most demanding environments. By identifying threats and safeguarding personnel, these efforts directly contribute to the safety of Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain SFS.

Every operation and collaboration reinforces the commitment of the 21st Security Forces Squadron to remain combat-ready and mission-focused, protecting and defending at home and abroad. More

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