Hawaii secures Air Force space squadron

The U.S. Air Force announced this week that the branch selected the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai to house the Air National Guard’s Space Control Squadron.

Officials said the effort would create a new, highly technical squadron to monitor satellites in support of the national security space mission, ensuring the military and other national security agencies have access to satellite communication, intelligence, and critical information.

“This decision reaffirms the importance of Hawaii’s strategic role in our national security and is proof that the men and women of Hawaii’s Air National Guard are the best in the world,” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. “While this new unit will help strengthen the Air Force’s space capabilities and advance our national security interests, it also means more federal funds for the state and more opportunities for local jobs.”

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) was one of the first units to respond to Kauai following the April 2018 flood.

“HIANG continues to be a critical partner to the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and we are pleased to hear of the increased presence here on the island,” he said. “We welcome the additional employment opportunities for our local folks, particularly in the areas of Science, Math and Technology.”

The Air Force anticipates completing the basing process by summer 2020, with the squadron becoming partially operational in fiscal year 2021 and fully operational by fiscal year 2022.