Courtesy Photo | The 45th Space Wing supported a United Launch Alliance's successful launch of a Delta...... read more read more Courtesy Photo | The 45th Space Wing supported a United Launch Alliance's successful launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying WGS-8 mission from Space Launch Complex 37 Dec. 7, 2016 at 6:53 p.m. (Courtesy photo by ULA) see less | View Image Page

The ULA Delta IV rocket is carrying the Air Force’s eighth Wideband Global SATCOM communication spacecraft. WGS provides anytime, anywhere communication for soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and international partners through broadcast, multicast, and point-to-point connections. The WGS constellation is the highest-capacity military communications system in the U.S. Department of Defense arsenal. WGS supports a wide variety of missions for Combatant Commanders around the world to perform missions, from search and rescue efforts to military operations.



According to Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander and mission Launch Decision Authority, this launch is the culmination of many long hours and hard work by the entire mission team.



“Thanks to the astounding commitment, focus on the mission, and teamwork the men and women of the 45th Space Wing share with our mission partners at SMC and ULA, we successfully launched the next satellite in the WGS constellation,” he said. “This mission demonstrates the Air Force’s commitment to deliver secure and reliable satellite communications around the globe to U.S. forces and our allies. It also once again showcases why the 45th Space Wing is the ‘World's Premiere Gateway to Space.’”