Missions

Vandenberg Units
Vandenberg Air Force Base is headquarters for the 30th Space Wing. The 30th SW is home to the Western Range, manages Department of Defense space and missile testing, and places satellites into near-polar orbit from the West Coast. Wing personnel also support the service's Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Force Development Test and Evaluation program. The Western Range begins at the coastal boundaries of Vandenberg and extends westward from the California coast to the western Pacific, including sites in Hawai'i. Operations involve dozens of federal and commercial interests.

The wing is organized into operations, launch, mission support and medical groups. The wing's staff agencies include command post, safety, staff judge advocate, comptroller, heritage center, plans and requirements, public affairs, history, equal opportunity, chaplain, protocol and the small/disadvantaged business office.

30th Operations Group
The 30th Operations Group provides the core capability for West Coast spacelift and range operations. Operations professionals are responsible for operating and maintaining the Western Range for spacelift, missile test launch, aeronautical and space surveillance missions. The 30th OG Standardization and Evaluation Division is responsible for standardizing operations across the spectrum of Western Range operations. Evaluators from the 30th OG administer the combat mission-ready program for wing operators and conduct evaluations of mission-ready crew members, validating their operational proficiency. They validate unit training programs and ensure wing compliance with Air Force Space Command guidance.

The 2nd Range Operations Squadron commands and controls the Western Range for spacelift, ballistic missile test launch, aeronautical test, air defense exercise, missile defense test launch and space surveillance operations. The 2nd ROPS directs more than 1,000 Air Force and contractor personnel at four geographically separated locations spanning more than 450 miles. The squadron ensures optimum configuration and performance of tracking, telemetry, communications, data analysis and meteorological assets valued at more than $1.5 billion.

The 30th Operations Support Squadron is the most diverse squadron in AFSPC. The squadron leads the wing spacelift operations training program, operates a $3.5 billion airfield complex, develops weapon system tactics for the 30th OG, and provides intelligence services for the wing and tenant units. The 30th OSS operates the Air Force's only space Training Device Design and Engineering Center, producing most of the space and missile training devices used throughout AFSPC and Air Education and Training Command. The 30th OSS is also home to the 30th OSS Weather Flight, which provides the 30th Space Wing and tenant units a full range of weather services supporting launch, air and ground operations. Major services include daily weather forecasting, toxic hazard zone forecasting, surface and upper-air observing, technical support and around-the-clock resource protection from severe weather. The 30th OSS Weather Flight provides planning and day-of-launch on-console weather support to the Western Range Control Center for all Western Range launch operations.

The 30th Space Communications Squadron is a key partner in the successful launching of satellites for combatant commanders' requirements and other test range activities. The squadron is focused on the operation and maintenance of the Western Range network segment, enabling flight test, spacelift and ballistic missions. The 30th SCS manages the budget for optical tracking, land mobile radio, airfield systems, RF spectrum management, missile silo communications, base secure and non-secure voice/video/data network operations, network defense, computer systems support, personal wireless communications systems, base-level services, information management, small computers, visual information and communications security for AFSPC, the 14th Air Force, 30th SW, Western Range and tenant units. Additionally, the 30th SCS provides support for telephone services and infrastructure management/upgrades. The 30th Range Management Squadron manages day-to-day contractor operations and maintenance of the range, launch complexes and payload facilities. The unit provides acquisition program management and quality assurance expertise on all 30th SW and Space and Missile Systems Center mission support contracts and space programs. Additionally, the 30th RMS provides technical requirements development, systems integration, operational acceptance testing and sustainment services for 30th SW range systems. The squadron interfaces with SMC for all range sustainment, integration and development efforts.

30th Launch Group
The 30th Launch Group is responsible for booster and satellite technical oversight and launch processing activities to include launch, integration and test operations at Vandenberg AFB. The group consists of an integrated military, civilian and contractor team with more than 250 personnel directly supporting operations from the Western Range.

The 1st Air and Space Test Squadron is Air Force Space Command's sole air and space developmental test and evaluation squadron. The 1st ASTS leads Missile Defense Agency, DoD and NASA DT&E activities on the Western Range, maintains $250 million in facilities, supports Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty compliance and implementation of operationally-responsive space concepts for warfighters.

The 4th Space Launch Squadron is responsible for technical risk assessment and mission assurance for all Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle missions on the West Coast. The Air Force's newest generation of spacelift vehicles, Atlas V and Delta IV, provide the nation's only medium- and heavy-lift capability to polar orbit. This blended team of engineers, operators, maintainers and acquisition professionals closely oversees every aspect of each mission, from the "birth" of the booster on the factory floor to post-flight analysis at the launch base, providing the United States with assured access to space.

30th Mission Support Group
The 30th Mission Support Group supports the third largest Air Force base in the United States-more than 99,000 acres, 2,078 family quarters and 1,003 buildings committed to 26 30th Space Wing organizations, 18 associate units, 45 contractors and over 10,000 people. The group manages $3.3 billion worth of base assets and a $42 million annual budget. Additionally, it is responsible for quality-of-life needs, housing, personnel, services, civil engineering, contracting and security.

The 30th Force Support Squadron provides essential human services to the Vandenberg community through a wide variety of activities, facilities and programs to include personnel management services, child development, youth activities, dining facility, lodging, outdoor recreation, tickets and tours, Recreational Vehicle Family Camp, collocated club, golf course, library services, bowling center, base honor guard, mortuary affairs, equipment rental, veterinary clinic, rod and gun, fitness center, arts and crafts center, auto skills, education and training, career assistance, Airman and Family Readiness Center, First Term Airman's Center and Airman Leadership School. More than 400 military and civilian employees are committed to providing the highest quality of life through outstanding customer service to Team Vandenberg.

The 30th Civil Engineer Squadron is the largest base civil engineer unit in AFSPC with more than 500 personnel. The squadron executes a yearly budget of approximately $80 million on maintaining and improving 2,209 facilities and infrastructure covering 99,604 acres. The civil engineers provide missile engineering, power production, engineering and contracts, real estate, environmental protection, full spectrum threat response and fire protection for base structures and family housing units, as well as fire hazard awareness and fire prevention programs. The squadron is also responsible for facility and utility maintenance, military family housing and explosive ordnance disposal.

The 30th Security Forces Squadron provides more than 400 people for around-the-clock security and law enforcement support for Vandenberg. The squadron provides services in several areas, including government resource protection, pass and registration, security clearance, crime prevention, law enforcement, traffic control, installation entry procedures, internal and perimeter security, base confinement facilities, military working dogs, and fish and wildlife protection. It also monitors security requirements for prime contractors and their subordinates. The 30th Contracting Squadron delivers contracting, quality assurance and property administration support to host and associate units on Vandenberg AFB. The contracting function supports base operations, infrastructure and range and launch missions with over 1,000 contract actions every year valued at $168 million. In addition, contract administration services are provided on $42 billion of contracts associated with range & launch support that are delegated by other Federal agencies. The quality assurance and property administration functions provide oversight to contractors performing work on contracts associated with range & launch missions. The 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron is responsible for deploying the 30th SW and all tenant units. These logistics professionals use economical, reliable, and up-to-date procedures to ensure the vehicle fleet is safe, efficient and environmentally sound in meeting the base's needs. The squadron provides quality travel and transportation at the lowest overall cost. Additionally, it ensures equipment, parts and fuel are readily available to support worldwide contingencies as well as space and missile operations.

30th Medical Group
Vandenberg's health care team provides for their beneficiaries from facilities on the corner of Nebraska and South Dakota avenues. Additionally, education is provided at the Health and Wellness Center. The 30th Medical Group provides all medical services normally found at a base medical facility of its size, including flight and missile medicine, pediatrics, primary care, optometry, dental services, physical therapy and mental health. The clinic staff has developed a referral network of local civilian health care providers who supplement the Vandenberg staff for health care needs not directly available on base. The clinic serves a beneficiary population of nearly 18,000 people. The TRICARE service center is located on the first floor of the main clinic and can handle all TRICARE matters, including referrals.

Duty Hours
Medical care is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. After-hours medical advice and referrals from a physician and nurse are available by calling (805) 606-2273. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month.

Family Practice Clinic
Appointments may be scheduled with your primary care physician Monday through Friday, beginning at 6:45 a.m. for active-duty members, 7:15 a.m. for TRICARE Prime/Plus enrollees and 11 a.m. for beneficiaries not enrolled in Prime/Plus. The primary care clinic telephone number is (805) 606-CARE (2273) and is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After duty hours, please call (805) 606-CARE (2273) and request to speak with a physician or nurse. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month.

Flight Missile Medicine Clinic
Priority appointments for active-duty personnel can be scheduled by calling (805) 606-2273 Monday through Friday, 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. Appointments for dependents can be scheduled by using the TRICARE website or by calling the main appointment line at (805) 606-2273. Our appointments start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. daily. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month.

Dental Clinic
For active-duty personnel, comprehensive general dentistry is provided. Mandatory examination appointments are scheduled through unit orderly rooms. Certain specialty care is very limited. Normal duty hours for the dental clinic are Monday, Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays beginning at 9 a.m. due to dental staff training. Emergencies (severe pain, infection, injury, etc.) for active-duty personnel are seen by appointment during dental sick call, Monday through Friday beginning at 7:30 a.m. Please call in advance to schedule the sick call appointment. For all other eligible beneficiaries, sick call is on a standby basis. Family members of active-duty are encouraged to participate in the TRICARE Dental Plan and enrollment is accomplished through United Concordia. Enrollment forms are available at the health benefits office, can be found online at http://www.TRICARE.osd.mil, http://www.ucci.com, or sent by mail after calling United Concordia Customer Service at (800) 866-8499. For retirees and their family members, the TRICARE Retiree Dental Insurance Program is available. For information, please call (888) 838-8737 or go online at http://www.trdp.org. Active-duty personnel or any eligible beneficiaries requiring emergency dental care (severe pain, infection, injury, etc.) after normal duty hours are encouraged to call (888) 252-3299.

Patients having non-emergent problems are re-quested to use the normal sick call hours Monday, Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. For additional information, call the dental clinic at (805) 606-8860/1846. For eligible non-active duty members, limited care is offered on a standby basis only. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month.

Mental Health Clinic
Appointments for active-duty personnel may be scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by calling (805) 606-8217. Available services include individual mental health counseling and alcohol/drug assessment and prevention for active duty members. Additional services include individual, couple and group treatment through the Family Advocacy Program. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month.

Pharmacy
Full-service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Prescription pick-up hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New prescriptions will not be accepted Monday through Friday after 3:30 p.m. Refill requests may be phoned in using the automated call-in system at (805) 605-0200.

The automated system will prompt you to provide the necessary information using your touch-tone phone. Remember that when dialing the prescription number, you only have to enter the numerical portion of the prescription number.

For next day pick-up (after 12 p.m.), refills must be called in before 1:30 p.m. the previous duty day. Refills called in after 1:30 p.m. will be ready in two duty days. If you are seeing a provider at the Vandenberg Clinic and expect prescriptions to be written, you must check-in at the pharmacy in-window after your appointment in order to receive your medications.

Prescriptions from in-house providers will no longer be automatically filled until you present yourself in person to the pharmacy or call ahead so that we can begin processing the medication for you. Faxed prescriptions will not be filled automatically either.

Please call us in advance to begin processing the medications; otherwise, they will be on hold until you return to the pharmacy. We are closed for mandatory training the fourth Thursday of every month; please plan accordingly. For questions concerning the pharmacy, call (805) 606-7440.

Medical Laboratory
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-house available services include testing for glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, electrolytes, thyroid and other clinical chemistries. We perform CBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit testing. Urinalysis, microscopic morphology and identification of urine sediment are also available. Limited microbiology is performed for urine, stool, wound and throat cultures. PT/INR testing for the monitoring of Coumadin therapy is another service provided. We collect samples for PHAs and PIMR requirements. Tests not performed in our laboratory are shipped to military and civilian reference laboratories. For any questions or concerns with laboratory services, call (805) 606-8475.

Diagnostic Imaging
The Diagnostic Imaging Department performs routine X-ray, mammography and ultrasound exams. Department hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed weekends, federal holidays, AFSPC Family Days and the fourth Thursday of each month for training. Routine X-rays are performed 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no appointment needed. Routine ultrasound exams are by appointment only and are scheduled 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Urgent ultrasound requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Mammography exams are by appointment only and are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We accept off-base requests for routine X-rays, mammograms and ultrasounds as long as we receive a valid request stating exam required, history, "reason for exam" and the provider's signature. Please call Diagnostic Imaging at (805) 606-8939 for answers to your questions regarding off-base requests or services provided here.

14th Air Force
Fourteenth Air Force is headquartered at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., and is responsible for the organization, training, equipping, command and control (C2), and employment of Air Force space forces to support operational plans and missions for U.S. combatant commanders and air component commanders. As the sole numbered Air Force for space, 14th Air Force is the Air Force's Component Numbered Air Force to U.S. Strategic Command.

The 14th AF traces its roots to the late 1930s when Claire L. Chennault organized a group of American civilian volunteer pilots to fight the Japanese in Burma and China. Throughout World War II, Flying Tigers (known for the distinctive tiger shark painting of their P-40's) compiled one of the greatest war records against numerically superior forces. Following a post-war series of reorganizations and inactivations, the 14th AF became the 14th Aerospace Force (AEROF) in 1968, the first command dedicated to space surveillance and tracking. In 1993, the 14th AF was restructured in its space role, becoming a numbered Air Force for Air Force Space Command.

Joint Functional Command for Space (JFCC SPACE)
Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC SPACE) headquarters is located at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Established in July 2006, JFCC SPACE is a component of U.S. Strategic Command and is responsible for executing continuous, integrated space operations to deliver theater and global effects in support of national and combatant commander objectives. JFCC SPACE coordinates space operational-level planning, integration, and coordination to ensure unity of effort in support of military and national security operations, and support to civil authorities.

JFCC SPACE is comprised of three operations centers in addition to the headquarters staff. The Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), also located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, provides operational employment of worldwide joint space forces and enables the JFCC SPACE commander to integrate spacepower into global military operations. The Joint Navigation Warfare Center (JNWC), located at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., enables space-based positioning, navigation, and timing superiority for the Department of Defense and interagency coalition partners. The Missile Warning Center (MWC), located at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado Springs, Colo., coordinates, plans, and executes worldwide missile, nuclear detonation and space re-entry event detection to provide timely, accurate and unambiguous strategic warning in support of the United States and Canada.

216th Operations
Support Squadron
The 216th Operations Support Squadron is the result of a Total Force Integration initiative approved by Air Force's secretary and chief of staff TFI Plan in 2006. The 216th OSS is a Classic Associate organization that the Air Force re-designated from California Air National Guard resources and its mission is to provide operations support to an associated active duty component 614th Air and Space Operations Center and Joint Space Operations Center, as the host unit with the primary responsibility for the weapon system. In this organizational construct, the individual component organizations maintain legal autonomy for administrative control, reporting, organizing, training, equipping, yet integrate fully for a common operational mission. The 216th OSS supports functions of the 614th AOC and JSPOC including operations training; standardization and evaluation; weapon tactics development; operational surge; and development and deployment support for evolving missions.

9th Space Operations Squadron
The 9th Space Operations Squadron is an Air Force Reserve associate unit to the 614th Air Operations Center. The unit augments the Joint Space Operations Center, helping the 614th AOC provide the commander, JFCC Space with command and control capability for all Department of Defense space operations, and critical space situational awareness. The 9th SOPS provides operations and intelligence expertise in support of space surveillance, missile warning, space launch, navigation and precision timing, communications, ISR and satellite command and control missions, enabling space effects for warfighters worldwide.

576th Flight Test Squadron
America's only dedicated ICBM test squadron professionally executing tests that accurately measure reliability, accuracy, and sustainability of the nation's ICBM force. The squadron consists of 170 members executing the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed $350 million Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Force Development Evaluation program. Key test missions include operational ICBM test launches; simulated electronic ICBM launches at northern tier ICBM bases; weapon system command and control software verifications; and testing of new and upgraded ICBM systems.

381st Training Group
The 381st Training Group is responsible for all initial qualification and supplemental training for mission-ready operators and maintainers to sustain the combat capabilities of Air Force space and missile units. The group conducts crew training in ICBM, missile warning, air defense, space control and satellite operations, as well as training in ICBM, air-launched missile and spacelift maintenance. Additionally, the group provides space fundamentals and operations training for North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Northern Command, AFSPC, Air Force Global Strike Command and senior leadership across the services and combined forces.

The 381st Training Support Squadron provides essential support for the success of the group staff and four squadrons conducting training for the nation's space and missile operations and maintenance forces. It ensures AETC requirements and training objectives are satisfied to include resolving manpower, finance and resource issues. It also manages life-cycle development of interactive courseware, oversees the military training program and conducts faculty development training.

The 392nd Training Squadron mission is to produce credible graduates for the space and missile community and the vision is to inspire discipline, accountability and pride in the space and missile profession. They conduct three initial qualification training, specialty-code awarding courses for Minuteman Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting ICBM non-rated operations crews, basic mission orientation and refresher training for AFSPC commanders and staff. The unit also conducts Space 100 and staff courses for space surveillance, warning, satellite control, spacelift and ICBM forces.

The 532nd Training Squadron delivers initial-skills and advanced air launched missile and ICBM maintenance training for Air Combat Command, Air Force Material Command and AFGSC. The unit trains electro-mechanical, missile mechanical and facility maintenance technicians, missile maintenance officers and also produces eight career development courses in support of the maintenance and management of the nation's air-launched ballistic missile and ICBM systems. The 533rd Training Squadron is the only DoD unit providing initial qualification training for U.S. and allied operations crews performing command and control, global missile warning, air defense and space surveillance missions for AFSPC, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Strategic Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command supporting the Secretary of Defense, theater commanders and associated forces. The unit also conducts inter-service space and intelligence operations training.

Altogether, the 381st TRG offers more than 100 courses to support the mission of USSTRATCOM, U.S. Northern Command, four space wings and three missile wings in AFSPC, AFGSC, the 14th Air Force, 20th Air Force, Air Combat Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Army, Navy and selected allied military forces.

21st Space Operations Squadron
The 21st Space Operations Squadron is a geographically-separated unit of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. The mission of the 21st SOPS at Vandenberg is to plan and conduct specialized communications for a wide spectrum of Department of Defense, allied, civil and commercial space systems. The 21st SOPS schedules, allocates and configures Air Force Satellite Control Network common user resources; monitors, maintains and updates the status of Air Force Satellite Control Network resources; and provides status, configurations and readiness of controlled resources to multiple users and command centers.

148th Space Operations Squadron
The California Air National Guards' 148th Space Operations Squadron operates the Milstar satellite communications system. The multi-satellite constellation links ships, submarines, aircraft, land vehicles and manned portable systems to provide reliable global communication and information to the armed forces 24 hours a day.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The NASA Resident Office located on Vandenberg's South Base is managed by the John F. Kennedy Space Center. It provides operational, administrative and customer support for NASA missions launched from Vandenberg. Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg's North Base is also managed by NASA and operated by the United Launch Alliance for launches of the Delta II expendable launch vehicle.

Other NASA facilities are used for spacecraft processing, housing facilities for the Delta II, the processing of small scientific satellites, and the communications, telemetry and data laboratory for NASA missions. These facilities are contractor operated for NASA by Analex. The first NASA launch from Vandenberg occurred in 1962 from SLC-2.

Air Force Office of Special Investigations
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations serves the base community by providing professional criminal, fraud and counter intelligence investigations regarding Air Force interests in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kings, Tulare and Fresno counties. The detachment also educates base workers through its briefing programs in the areas of counter intelligence (terrorist threat, espionage), crimes against people and property (narcotics, child abuse, sexual assaults) and fraud (contract award reviews).