18 SPCS re-designates to 18th Space Defense Squadron
Members of the Vandenberg Space Force Base Honor Guard team unfurl the new 18th Space Defense Squadron’s flag during a re-designation ceremony at Vandenberg SFB, Calif., April 13, 2022. The 18th Space Control Squadron was re-designated as the 18 SDS to signify increased focus on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) command and control, integrating and synchronizing SDA capabilities in support of the contested and congested domain, and collaboration with allies and partners. The furling and unfurling of flags have been a long standing tradition in ceremonies to symbolize the activation, deactivation or re-designation of units. (U.S. Space Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Luke Kitterman)