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SPACE OBSERVER 1S
VOL. 63 N O. 31
T H U R S DAY, AU G . 1, 2019
P E T E R S O N
CSAF visits Greenland
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THULE EDITION
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By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow 21ST SPACE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow)
THULE AIR BASE, Greenland — The 21st Air Force Chief of Staff David Goldfein speaks to the Airmen of the 821st Air Base Group during an all call at Thule Air Base, Greenland July 20, 2019. During the all call, Goldfein covered topics such as multi-domain operations, joint leaders and teams, and the importance of squadrons in the Air Force.
THULE AIR BASE, Greenland — The Chief of Staff of the Air Force visited Airmen at Thule Air Base, Greenland, July 20, 2019. During his visit, Gen. David Goldfein toured various work centers to learn about the unique mission sets of the 821st Air Base Group and the 12th Space Warning Squadron, as well as observe how Thule is currently supporting the safe, stable, sus-
tainable and secure space domain. Thule supports three diverse mission sets: tactical warning of potential ballistic missile attacks against the United States and Canada as part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System; providing space situational awareness by tracking manmade objects in orbit; and satellite command and control. “Space capabilities are integral to our way
of life, national security and modern warfare,” Goldfein said. “The more objects there are to track in space, the more difficult the job becomes. Our highly trained Airmen here are up to the task, and provide that space situational awareness to assure access to space.” While at Thule, Goldfein received briefings about the base’s mission, met with Airmen and asked leaders for their thoughts
and comments on improving the base. During an Airmen all call, Goldfein covered topics such as multi-domain operations, joint leaders and teams, and the importance of squadrons in the Air Force. “We are a family,” Goldfein said. “We take care of each other and we need bold See Greenland page 6
821st Air Base Group receives new commander
By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow | 21ST SPACE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS THULE AIR BASE, Greenland — Col. Timothy J. Bos took command of the 821st Air Base Group from Col. Mafwa Kuvibidila in a change of command ceremony July 18, 2019 at Thule Air Base, Greenland. Col. Thomas G. Falzarano, 21st Space Wing commander, presided over the transfer of command. “Change of command ceremonies are always bittersweet occasions, as we bid
farewell to a beloved commander and welcome a new member of the team and a new family,” Falzarano said. “But at Thule, changes of command are just a bit unique because here we largely replace the entire team at the same time.” Many of those who worked side-byside with Kuvibidila have departed, while many others are new to Thule and are still See New commander page 9 (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow)
THULE AIR BASE, Greenland —Col. Thomas G. Falzarano, left, 21st Space Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Timothy J. Bos, 821st Air Base Group commander, during the 821st AB Group change of command ceremony, July 18, 2019 at Thule Air Base, Greenland. He oversees the administration and security of the Air Force’s largest overseas and northernmost military installation.
INSIDE
SOVIET-BORN AIRMAN SHARES RESILIENCE IN ARCTIC CIRCLE PAGE 3
NEWS 1-11 | BRIEFS 4 | CLASSIFIED 13 | CROSSWORD 14
THULE WELCOMES NEW CHIEF PAGE 9
SUMMER WILDLIFE IN GREENLAND PAGE 11
Military Movie Night Special Insert