76th SPCS

76th SPCS
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The 76th Space Control Squadron

The Current Mission - 76th SPCS
Commander: Lt Col Samuel J. McCraw

The 76^th Space Control Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo., is Air Force Space Command’s first offensive and defensive counterspace technology squadron.

THE 76th SPCS
Explores capabilities to achieve space superiority in support of theater campaigns.
MISSION
The 76^th SPCS deploys counterspace prototypes to Department of Defense exercises around the world. The unit uses experience gained in the field to improve future designs and to advance emerging command & control, logistic and operational concepts.

HISTORY
The history of the 76^th dates to the earliest days of World War II. During the Summer of 1941, Army Captain Claire L. Chennault formed a small group of American pilots into the 3^rd Pursuit Squadron, Aviation Volunteer Group. The unit immediately garnered international attention for their combat successes while defending China¾ they became known as the "Flying Tigers."

On 18 December 1941, the 3^rd was redesignated as the 76^th Pursuit Squadron and subsequently the 76^th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942. The unit fought the remainder of the war under the 23^rd Fighter Group, 14^th Air Force.

Following World War II the 76^th was deactivated and reactivated a number of times. Over this period, the squadron conducted P-47, RF-80, F-89, F-102, A-7 and A-10 flying operations. These operations included distinguished service during Operation DESERT STORM where the unit earned the Defense of Saudi Arabia and Defense of Kuwait campaign streamers.

DESERT STORM lessons on space power convinced Air Force leaders to reactivate the unit as the 76^th Space Operations Squadron in December 1995. The 76^th deployed Air Force Space Support Teams to bring space expertise to expeditionary air forces and air operations centers around the world. Over their tenure, the 76^th Space Operations Squadron deployed to make significant contributions during JOINT ENDEAVOR, DENY FLIGHT, DESERT FOX, DESERT THUNDER and ALLIED FORCE. The squadron was deactivated on 21 January 2001 and its campaign streamers transferred to the 76^th Space Control Squadron during its activation on Jan. 22, 2001.