SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --
As the backup command and control center for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, the 6th Space Operations Squadron plays a key role in providing strategic and tactical weather prediction. They are the only backup to the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which means up-to-date equipment is vital to them successfully completing each daily mission.
In August, 6 SOPS agreed to partner with the United States Naval Observatory, letting them share the 6 SOPS operations floor in exchange for funding to upgrade their computer systems and furniture. Lt. Col. Timothy Gasmire (retired) thought outside the box to come up with a way for 6 SOPS to receive the important renovation.
“None of this would have happened without the help of Tim Gasmire,” said Lt. Col. Paxton Mellinger, 6 SOPS commander. “That’s indicative of his innovative thinking and the can-do attitude that he has set a standard for.”
The new ops floor was dedicated to Gasmire, who worked twelve years in the DMSP mission. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the advancement, Gasmire hung a plaque on the wall that honors his outstanding innovation.
“I also want to extend a public ‘thank you’ to the 50th Space Wing,” said Mellinger. “They provided both the electrical work that had to happen, as well as the contracting work to bring in the furniture we have today.”
Mellinger also thanked 6 SOPS Reserve Citizen Airmen for removing all the old equipment from the ops floor and reinstalling the equipment they received from the USNO.
"It was my 6 SOPS team members that removed all the mission equipment, labeled all the cables and made sure everything was set back up right," said Mellinger. "My hat is off to them."