U.S., U.K. talks prove success at New Boston

by Staff Sgt. Robert Cloys
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

11/20/2012 - NEW BOSTON AIR FORCE STATION, N.H. -- For the first time, New Boston Air Force Station, New Hampshire, hosted talks with the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense Nov. 7 and 8.

Twice a year for the past seven years, the United States, through Air Force Space Command, and the U.K. Ministry of Defense, met to discuss issues and the site status of Oakhanger Tracking Station, call sign LION. The talks typically alternate between Oakhanger and Air Force Space Command Headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. After the spring 2012 talks in England however, the 23rd Space Operations Squadron volunteered to host the fall meetings.

LION is a geographically separated unit of the 23 SOPS who oversee operations, maintenance and facility support for the site.

The base is a British military installation with a U.S. military mission and is physically located in the village of Oakhanger, Hampshire, U.K. The site has conducted operations in support of the U.S. Air Force since 1978.

The unique partnership is mutually beneficial. The U.S. is able to strategically position its antennas, and in return, the U.K. is able to utilize those antennas to operate British communications satellites.

"The United Kingdom is one of our strongest partners and this relationship is very important to both countries," said Lt. Col. David Hanson, 23 SOPS commander. "Plus, it allows the U.K. to have access to space."

Topics covered at the talks included spectrum issues, support plan annexes, a five-year project outlook, site familiarization and finances. Attendees included Squadron Leader Dempster Hamilton, TCS Oakhanger base commander, Maj. Nate Case, the 23 SOPS operations officer assigned to LION and other notable distinguished visitors from both the U.S. and U.K.

"These discussions are integral to understanding and solving complex foreign relations, contracting, financing and general state of health issues at Oakhanger Tracking Station," said Hanson. "As LION is the busiest of the seven tracking stations in the AFSCN, it is important we continue to meet with our British counterparts to work through these issues and ensure operations and support functions continue to flourish."