U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet
Mission
Execute and support global strike through continuous, rapid, accurate and survivable ICBM operations.
Vision
A team of nuclear professionals delivering unique ICBM combat capabilities for global strike.
Motto
SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM - "If you wish for peace, prepare for war"
Mission Description
The 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (STOS) has two primary one-of-a-kind mission focus areas: the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Targeting. The ALCS is an integral part of the Minuteman III ICBM weapon system and provides the nation’s only survivable means to launch the ICBM force. ICBM targeting, received from USSTRATCOM, is transmitted, via Force Direction Messages (FDMs), to ICBM forces.
The squadron consists of six unique flights:
The ALCS Combat Operations Flight provides combat forces for the United States Strategic Command Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) on board the Navy’s E-6B Mercury aircraft. Flying as integral members of the battle staff, the ALCS crew, using on-board equipment, provides a survivable means to launch the Nation’s ICBM force. Additionally, members provide intelligence, ad-hoc targeting, missile warning, battle damage assessment, and ballistic missile defense support for the on-board Airborne Emergency Actions Officer (AEAO).
The ALCS Training and Evaluation Flight trains and supports airborne missileers who operate the ALCS onboard the USSTRATCOM Airborne Command Post (ABNCP), as well as those who conduct ALCS test and analysis missions.
The Test & Analysis Flight plans and executes flight safety zones and optimum weapon system launch tracks for the ALCS onboard the United States Navy E6-B aircraft. The flight also oversees flight performance analysis and capability assessments of U.S. and foreign ballistic missile weapon systems. Additionally, the flight is designated as the airborne test conductor for ICBM force development evaluation missions in which they lead, plan, and coordinate airborne launch control system test missions with USSTRATCOM, AFGSC, US Navy, and other national agencies.
The ICBM Targeting Flight, working closely with USSTRATCOM and 20 AF, maintains current and accurate targeting for the Nation’s fleet of 450 ICBMs. Additionally, they produce targeting and range safety analysis for all ICBM test launches, and support Air Force Global Strike Command software tests. Finally, they develop, document, verify, and maintain all targeting software programs and operating procedures required for daily ICBM alert operations.
The ICBM Targeting Systems Flight develops, documents, verifies and maintains the operational readiness for ICBM targeting software programs and operating procedures required for daily MMIII ICBM targeting operations. The flight directly supports other flights through software development, programs operations, and network sustainment.
The Weapons and Tactics Flight is responsible for instructor training, TTP development, lessons learned development, and operational certification for both the targeting and ALCS missions. The flight also supports squadron/mission integration to include integrating diverse/distinct mission areas into one combat ready force (integrating ABNCP/ALCS mission sets to facilitate wartime operations and targeting operations with missile wing operations and maintenance as well as Air Room operations).
Unit History
Activated on 15 April 1996, the 625 Missile Operations Flight was the product of a number of organizational changes within the ICBM community subsequent to the end of the Cold War. Reporting directly to Twentieth Air Force, the squadron’s missions was to deploy ICBM targeting, train Airborne Launch Control System crews, and ensure operational capability of strategic communications networks (SACCS) between operational field units and national leadership. The squadron also analyzed foreign ballistic missiles and provided threat information to the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, in addition to flying as integral members of the USSTRATOCM battle staff. The unit was re-designated the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (STOS) on 14 June 2007 and reassigned from under Air Force Space Command to Air Force Global Strike Command on 1 December 2009. On 1 October 2016, the unit was realigned under the 595th Command and Control Group (C2G). While the 625 STOS continues to provide the same critical targeting and ALCS capability for our national defense, the SACCS mission was realigned under the newly stood-up 595th Strategic Communications Squadron.
Unit Awards
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Oct-1999 - 20 Sep 2001
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Oct 2001 - 30 Sep 2003
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Oct 2005 - 30 Sep 2007
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Jun 2008 - 31 May 2010
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Jan 2014 - 31 Dec 2014
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 11 Sep 2001 - present
Emblem Significance
The blue background represents sky, constancy, devotion, loyalty, and thought that contribute to the defense of the nation. The dark sky-blue field represents the atmospheric operating medium while the ultramarine/reflex-blue field represents the space operating medium. The red represent boldness, hardiness, liberty, patriotism, strength, and valor in unit character. The white represents the maturity and perfection demanded to accomplish every mission. Finally, the gold represents the 625 STOS’ combined heritage from both 8th and 20th Air Forces, Air Force Global Strike Command and United States Strategic Command.
The three red and gold lines with red arrow heads symbolize the squadron’s commitment to the ever vigilant forces at three missile wings: F.E. Warren, Malmstrom and Minot AFBs. The three white stars represent the squadron’s three primary contributions to nuclear deterrence: Survivability, provided by an airborne platform, the force multiplying capability proven through rigorous tests and evaluations, and the pristine re-targeting verified and provided to on-alert ICBMs.
(Current as of February 2019)