721st Operations Support Squadron

{{short description|U.S. Space Force unit}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}

{{Use American English|date=August 2021}}

{{Infobox military unit

| unit_name = 3rd Combat Training Squadron

| image = 3rd Combat Training Squadron emblem.png

| image_size =

| caption = Squadron emblem

| dates = 3 March 2022 – present

| country = {{flagu|United States}}

| branch = {{no wrap|{{space force|United States}}}}

| type = Squadron

| role = Combat Training

| size = Squadron

| command_structure= Space Delta 3

| garrison= Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S.

| garrison_label= Headquarters

| nickname = Warriors

| motto = "Warriors First!"

| website =

| commander1 = Lt Col Christopher M. Higgins

| commander1_label = Commander

| commander2 =

| commander2_label = Deputy Commander

| commander3=

| commander3_label = Superintendent

| notable_commanders=

| identification_symbol = File:721st Operations Support Squadron.jpg

| identification_symbol_label = Former 721st Operations Support Squadron patch

}}

The 3rd Combat Training Squadron (3 CTS) is a United States Space Force training unit. Assigned to Space Operations Command's Space Delta 3, it provides electromagnetic warfare qualification training to Delta 3 operators.{{cite web|url=https://www.peterson.af.mil/Portals/15/Delta3_factsheet.pdf|title=Space Delta 3 Fact Sheet|date=24 July 2020|agency=Peterson Air Force Base|access-date=24 July 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724203840/https://www.peterson.af.mil/Portals/15/Delta3_factsheet.pdf|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}} Headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, it was activated on 3 March 2022. The squadron was previously designated as the 721 Operations Support Squadron following the establishment of the 721st Operations Group in 2019 which was later redesignated to Space Delta 3.{{Cite web|url=https://www.peterson.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/1991753/721st-og-activated-as-usaf-realigns-to-protect-and-defend-us-space-capabilities/|title=721st OG activated as USAF realigns to 'Protect and Defend' U.S. Space Capabilities|website=Peterson Air Force Base|access-date=20 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202736/https://www.peterson.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/1991753/721st-og-activated-as-usaf-realigns-to-protect-and-defend-us-space-capabilities/|url-status=live}}

History

The mission of the 3 CTS was originally executed under the 21st Operations Support Squadron (21 OSS), which was responsible for providing training, operations, intelligence, and security support to Air Force Space Command's electromagnetic warfare and missile warning units. Air Force Space Command made the decision to separate the electromagnetic warfare and missile warning mission sets in 2019. Missile Warning units would continue to receive operational support from the 21 OSS and support to electromagnetic warfare units would be provided by the 721 OSS.

The 721 OSS was constituted on 17 September 2019 and activated on 10 October 2019. The 721 OSS was changed from a unit of the United States Air Force armed force to a United States Space Force armed force on 21 October 2020 following the creation of the United States Space Force. The 721 OSS was redesignated at the 3 CTS on 3 March 2022 with its alignment under Space Delta 3.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3480581/3-combat-training-squadron-spoc/|title=3 Combat Training Squadron (SpOC)|website=AFHRA}}

List of Commanders

  • Lt Col Matthew S. Thompson, 10 October 2019 - 18 June 2021
  • Lt Col Etan D. Funches, 18 June 2021 - 2 June 2023{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6709837/funches-assumes-command|title=Funches assumes command|website=DVIDS}}
  • Lt Col Christopher M. Higgins, 2 June 2023 - present

See also

References

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