SMC'S Space Based Infrared Systems Wing Changes Commanders

Published July 20, 2007
By Media Relations
SMC Public Affairs

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- Colonel Randall Weidenheimer, Commander of the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing (SBIRS), relinquished command to Colonel John Amrine in a Change of Command Ceremony in the Shriever Space Complex courtyard, July 19, 2007. Lieutenant General Michael A. Hamel, Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, officiated at the Change of Command ceremony.

The Space Based Infrared Systems Wing develops, deploys and sustains $27 billion in surveillance satellites and ground stations to detect, track and report global and theater ballistic missile attacks against the United States, its allies and combat forces. The satellites and ground stations provides global surveillance, tracking and targeting information to warfighters and intelligence units.

Colonel Weidenheimer has served as the SBIRS Program Director and Commander for the SBIRS Wing for 3 years. He is retiring from the Air Force after 27 years of service.

Colonel Amrine has been the Vice Commander of the SBIRS Wing since May 2006. Prior to this current assignment, he was the Commander, Operations Group, Undersecretary of the Air Force (Space), Buckley AFB, Colo.

The Space and Missile Systems Center is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its six wings and three groups are responsible for global positioning systems, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, the Air Force satellite control network, space based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities. SMC manages more than $60 billion in contracts, executes annual budgets of $10 billion and employs more than 6,800 people worldwide.

Media representatives can submit questions for response or requests for interviews regarding this topic by sending an email to: smcpa.media@losangeles.af.mil.

ISSW Change of Command