Rebuilding For Space

2 Overview  Rise of the Phoenix: From Vietnam to the Gulf War  Exploitation of Space  Military Operations in the 80s Grenada Libya Panama  Video

3 Rise of the Phoenix Lessons Learned in Combat  Air superiority had to be earned immediately Gradualism was the path to disaster  Air superiority required an investment in technology  Technology had to be revolutionary rather than evolutionary  Existing equipment had to be upgraded

4 Rise of the Phoenix Lessons Learned in Combat  Vietnam concept wrong Large numbers of aircraft with low lethality  Grinding approach to victory not politically attainable  Never give the enemy time to recover after first attack

5 Rise of the Phoenix Weapon Systems  Two key fighters developed McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon  Close air support led to A-10 Thunderbolt  Rockwell B-1B Lancer  Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS)  Peacekeeper Missile

6 Rise of the Phoenix Second Generation Weapons  Stealth aircraft Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Northrop B-2 Spirit  New airlifter McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster  Boeing/Grumman E-8 Joint STARS  New, advance fighter Lockheed Martin F-22

7 The Exploitation of Space Although there has not yet been a significant groundswell to change the name of the junior service to the United States Aerospace Force, the resources devoted to space and the benefits derived from its exploitation make the change almost certain in the future. Walter J. Boyne

8 Space Policy  Gen Thomas White saw space as a continuum of our atmosphere  Eisenhower proposes “freedom of space” Ensured over flight Created NASA Devoted to peaceful purposes Peaceful purposes did embrace defense missions

9 Toward the Unknown  Sputnik - the race begins  Discoverer - strictly scientific exploration  Corona Operated by USAF The “heart” of Corona

10 Making the Unknown Known  Navigation Global Positioning System (GPS)  Missile Defense Alarm Defense Support Program (SRP) Space-based Infrared System (SBIRS)  Communications Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (MILSTAR) AF Satellite Communications System (AFSATCOM)

11 Making the Unknown Known  Meteorology Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)  Reconnaissance and Surveillance “Black” programs The National Reconnaissance Office

12 Military Operations in the 80’s

13 GRENADA  Prime Minister killed in coup in 83  US objectives Protect US citizens, 1000 medical students Neutralize hostile Grenadian/Cuban elements Restore the legitimate government  Operation URGENT FURY Army Rangers and 82nd Airborne Division Supported by Air Force resources

14 GRENADA  Lessons Learned All services must plan and coordinate jointly before the operation occurs Applying overwhelming force quickly is the key to victory

15 LIBYA  Mummar Qaddafi linked to terrorism and specific bombing of disco in Berlin  Libyan targets struck in Apr 86  Operation EL DORADO CANYON AF F-111s Navy and Marine aircraft Four of five main targets severely damaged

16 LIBYA  Lessons Learned Superb joint coordination Able to strike terrorists Willing to strike terrorists

17 PANAMA  General Noriega I ndicted on drug charges US forces harassed in the Canal Zone Implied threats to security of the Canal Marine Lt killed in an incident  President Bush ordered Operation JUST CAUSE

18 PANAMA  Objectives of Operation JUST CAUSE Remove Noriega from power Safeguard the Panama Canal Restore the democratic government in Panama  Dec 89 operation began AC-130 Spectre gunships used First use of F-117 Noriega surrenders after seeking refuge in Vatican embassy

19 PANAMA  Lessons Learned Strike quickly with overwhelming force using mobility, surprise, and precision Army and Marines recognized the need for light deployable forces Joint coordination had vastly improved since Grenada

20 Summary  Rise of the Phoenix: From Vietnam to the Gulf War  Exploitation of Space  Military Operations in the 80s Grenada Libya Panama  Video