10th Aerospace Defense Squadron
Encyclopedia
The United States Air Force
's 10th Air Defense Squadron (10 ADS) was an air defense unit located at Wheeler AFS, Hawaii
. However, the 10 ADS is historically known as the sole operator of the United States' second nuclear
-tipped anti-satellite weapon, Program 437
.
constellation
. At base Air Force yellow border forms a scroll inscribed "Caveat Aggressor" in red capital letters.
The light blue background is the limitless sky. The ten stars placed in a Scorpius
constellation
formation over a scorpion
alludes to a Greek
mythological legend and is symbolic of deadly powers. The missiles held by the scorpion and the motto "Beware Aggressor" refer to the mission of the squadron. The colors blue and golden yellow are the Air Force colors.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's 10th Air Defense Squadron (10 ADS) was an air defense unit located at Wheeler AFS, Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. However, the 10 ADS is historically known as the sole operator of the United States' second nuclear
Nuclear weapon
A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter. The first fission bomb test released the same amount...
-tipped anti-satellite weapon, Program 437
Program 437
Program 437 was the second anti-satellite weapons program of the U.S. military. The US anti-satellite weapons program began development in the early 1960s and was officially discontinued on 1 April 1975. Program 437 was approved for development by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara on...
.
Emblem description and significance
On a light blue triangle within a wide Air Force yellow border edged and shaded Air Force Blue, originating from top of triangle curving through center facing viewer's left an Air Force Blue scorpion, claws extended grasping 2 white missiles edged and detailed black issuing diagonally one from right base, one from left pointing to center toward scorpion. Overall ten white stars edged black placed in an inverted stylized pattern of the ScorpiusScorpius
Scorpius, sometimes known as Scorpio, is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for scorpion, and its symbol is . It lies between Libra to the west and Sagittarius to the east...
constellation
Constellation
In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around asterisms, patterns formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky....
. At base Air Force yellow border forms a scroll inscribed "Caveat Aggressor" in red capital letters.
The light blue background is the limitless sky. The ten stars placed in a Scorpius
Scorpius
Scorpius, sometimes known as Scorpio, is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for scorpion, and its symbol is . It lies between Libra to the west and Sagittarius to the east...
constellation
Constellation
In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around asterisms, patterns formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky....
formation over a scorpion
Scorpion
Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger...
alludes to a Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
mythological legend and is symbolic of deadly powers. The missiles held by the scorpion and the motto "Beware Aggressor" refer to the mission of the squadron. The colors blue and golden yellow are the Air Force colors.
Major command
- Pacific Air Forces (1 April 1992 – 30 September 1997)
- Aerospace Defense CommandAerospace Defense CommandAerospace Defense Command is an inactive United States Air Force Major Command. Established in 1946 under the United States Army Air Forces, its mission was to organize and administer the integrated air defense system of the Continental United States , exercise direct control of all active...
(24 October 1963 – 1 January 1967 ;31 December 1970-1 November 1979)
Numbered Air Force
- 14th Aerospace Force (31 December 1970 – 1 October 1976)
Previous designations
- 10th Air Defense Squadron (1 April 1992 – 30 September 1997)
- 10th Aerospace Defense Squadron (24 October 1963 – 1 January 1967 ;31 December 1970-1 November 1979)
Bases stationed
- Wheeler AAFWheeler Army AirfieldWheeler Army Airfield , also known as Wheeler Field and formerly as Wheeler Air Force Base, is a United States Army post located in the City & County of Honolulu and in the Wahiawa District of the Island of O'ahu, Hawaii...
, HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
(13 April 1992 – 30 September 1997) - Vandenberg AFB, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
(15 November 1963 – 1 January 1967; 31 December 1970-1 November 1979)
Commanders
- Col William H. Joyner (30 July 1965 – 1 January 1967)
- Col Charles E. Minihan (Nov 1963–1965)
See also
- Program 437Program 437Program 437 was the second anti-satellite weapons program of the U.S. military. The US anti-satellite weapons program began development in the early 1960s and was officially discontinued on 1 April 1975. Program 437 was approved for development by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara on...
– United States' second anti-satellite program