2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron

The 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron (2 NWS) is a unit in the United States Space Force. Its main job is to operate the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation. This system helps people all around the world find their way, keep track of time, and even detect important events like explosions.

The squadron is part of Space Operations Command and works closely with a group called the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta (Provisional). It is based at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado.

It also works with people from the 19th Space Operations Squadron, who are part of the 310th Space Wing and help when needed. This teamwork makes sure the GPS system stays strong and reliable for everyone to use.

Mission

The squadron helps control the Global Positioning System satellites. GPS is a space system that helps people find their way anywhere in the world and keeps time accurate. Many people and countries use GPS for things like maps and timing devices because it works very well and is always available.

History

The 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron started as the 2d Surveillance Squadron and began operations on January 16, 1962, at Ent Air Force Base. It helped track objects in space until it was inactivated in 1967.

Later, it was reactivated as the 2d Satellite Control Squadron on October 1, 1985, at Falcon Air Force Station. Since 1987, the squadron has managed the Global Positioning System satellites and supported efforts to monitor nuclear tests.

In 2024, it was renamed the 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron as part of a larger change in how space operations are organized.

Lineage

The 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron began as the 2d Surveillance Squadron in 1962. It started operating on February 1, 1962, but was later inactivated in 1967. The unit was reactivated in 1985 under a new name and moved to Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, where it continues to operate today.

The squadron has been part of several different groups over the years, including the Air Defense Command and more recently, the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Integrated Mission Delta.

List of commanders

• Lt Col Steven C. Stadler, October 1985 – April 1988
• Lt Col Barry R. Springer, April 1988 – April 1989
• Lt Col Michael E. Shaw, April 1989 – August 1990
• Lt Col William L. Shelton, August 1990 – June 1992
• Lt Col Harrison C. Freer, June 1992 – June 1994
• Lt Col Frank M. DeArmond, June 1994 – January 1995
• Maj Thomas A. Shircliff, January 1995 – March 1995
• Lt Col Roger C. Hunter, March 1995 – October 1996
• Lt Col Joseph P. Squatrito, October 1996 – July 1998
• Lt Col James K. McLaughlin, July 1998 – June 2000
• Lt Col Daniel P. Jordan, June 2000 – July 2002
• Lt Col Scott A. Henderson, July 2002 – July 2004
• Lt Col Stephen T. Hamilton, July 2004 – July 2006
• Lt Col Kurt W. Kuntzleman, July 2006 – August 2008
• Lt Col DeAnna M. Burt, August 2008 – August 2010
• Lt Col Jennifer L. Grant, August 2010 – June 2012
• Lt Col Thomas Ste. Marie, June 2012 – July 2014
• Lt Col Todd Benson, July 2014 – June 2016
• Lt Col Peter C. Norsky, June 2016 – 1 June 2018
• Lt Col Stephen A. Toth, 1 June 2018 – June 2020
• Lt Col Michael K. Schriever, June 2020 – 6 July 2022
• Lt Col Robert O. Wray, 6 July 2022 – 21 June 2024
• Lt Col Jeremy Parr, 21 June 2024 - present