The 50th Space Communications Squadron initiated its newest mission on December 1st when it took operational control of Global Broadcast Service, the Department of Defense's data and video information distribution system.

"Global Broadcast Service integrates seamlessly with the squadron's enduring challenge: 'Get the right information to the right people at the right time...every time,'" said Lt. Col. Donald Fielden, 50th SCS commander. The Global Broadcast Service was developed in the mid-1990s as a one-way, high-speed transmission system for deployed warfighters, capable of providing large amounts of information to even the most remote of locations. Originally designed to deliver television and radio service, GBS now provides a wide range of products, including near real-time weather imagery and unmanned aerial vehicle video.

The GBS broadcast originates from one of three sites in Norfolk, Virginia, Sigonella, Italy, and Wahiawa, Hawaii. From these locations, the broadcast is transmitted more than 22,000 miles to orbiting satellites, some of which are flown by 50th Operations Group personnel. In the future, multiple satellite systems will be used, providing the warfighter with a robust system to seamlessly receive data regardless of the operating location or extreme situations encountered anywhere in the world. Additionally, a man-portable backpack receiver suite is being developed, which will provide the ability to access products, such as UAV video, closer to the area of need.

Currently, deployed GBS users can schedule content, tailored to their unit's needs, through a theater information manager assigned specifically to their area of responsibility. Broadcasts can be scheduled to repeat at different times of the day, allowing users access to information at a time convenient to them, as well as a one-time broadcast for specific users. The most common GBS information provided consists of weather information, UAV imagery, intelligence data and other threat/situational awareness information. This information is used by commanders and warfighters to assist in critical combat operations; the right information to the right people at the right time...every time. Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom have epitomized joint operations in today's conflicts with GBS as an integral and vital component to today's joint warfighters. The 50th SCS GBS team consists of 2nd Lt. Kelly Lehman, 2nd Lt. Jolene Posey, Tech. Sgt. Gary Sisco and Staff Sgt. Jimmy Rogers.

(Source: 50th SCS, photo courtesy of Raytheon)