U.S.A.F Changes Guard in the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing

Change happens, as evidenced at the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Wing at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Colonel John M. Amrine relinquished command to Colonel Roger W. Teague during a change of command ceremony held in the Space and Missile Systems Center‘s Schriever Space Complex. The ceremony was officiated by Lieutenant General Michael A. Hamel, Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center. Colonel Teague comes with a most impressive résumé. Prior to his current assignment, he commanded the SBIRS Space Group, leading the launch and operational testing of the final $400M Defense Support Program satellite. He also led the developmental test and on-orbit checkout of the first SBIRS polar payload, capturing the Air Force’s nomination for the Robert J. Collier Trophy as the nation’s greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics. In his new capacity the challenge of launching the first of the next generation of geostationary infrared satellites, SBIRS “GEO-1“, is the top priority for Colonel Teague and SBIRS Wing. The SBIRS program develops and deploys the nation’s space-based infrared detection, targeting, and tracking systems for missile warning, missile defense, battlespace characterization and technical intelligence. The $27 billion SBIRS space systems portfolio includes the Defense Support Program and the next generation Space Based Infrared System. These systems are critical for protection against global and theater ballistic missile attacks against the United States, its deployed forces, and its allies—Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo, California