What is the US Space Force doing in Greenland?

[Donkees]

By Julian Dossett published January 10, 2025

"Maintaining a strong presence and projecting power from the Arctic is paramount," Bentivegna continued. "We must fortify it, ensuring that we capitalize on our unique position at the top of the world to safeguard our interests and those of our allies."

Pituffik is home to the 12th Space Warning Squadron (12 SWS), which supports three critical missions: missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance. To carry out these missions, 12 SWS uses a two-sided, solid-state phased-array radar system, which the unit operates around the clock.

With an ability to detect ballistic missiles that could endanger the U.S. and Canada, the squadron can execute missile warning and missile defense missions. If necessary, the unit can provide early warning via the Missile Warning Center and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

12 SWS also gathers data on objects in orbit, which the unit sends to the 18th Space Control Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as well as a several other DoD intelligence and defense centers.

Pituffik Space Base has a long history that predates the Space Force. Constructed during the summers of 1951 and 1952, Thule Air Base, as it was then known, came about after Denmark and the United States signed a defense treaty.

Thule AB became part of the Space Force when the Armed Forces branch was established in 2019. In 2023, Thule AB was renamed Pituffik Space Base, after the former Inuit hunting settlement that was near the base's current location. Today, the space base has about 550 residents.

"From here, we have maintained an unbreakable bond working towards the collective defense and stability of the northern Arctic," the Space Force's chief of space operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, said during the 2023 renaming ceremony. "Together, the men and women of Pituffik Space Base and our Greenlandic and Danish partners will ensure a safe, secure and prosperous future both in space and above the Arctic Circle."

The facility is important for a variety of other reasons as well, military officials have said.

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/what-is-the-us-space-force-doing-in-greenland

[Bluestocking]

1. If the regime attacks Greenland

the result will be Greenland no longer allowing us military facilities there. I am guessing Canada and the Eu countries will replace them.

[LearnedHand]

2. I mean, Greenland has long been part of the DEW line

This little hair on fire article might not mean much, this time, anyway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distant_Early_Warning_Line

[2naSalit]

3. My dad...

Told us about his visits to Thule AFB,he told us about all the places he went to during his time in the Navy. Sure would be a shame if we became unwelcome there, or not.

[leftstreet]

4. Probably netting private contractors big $$

[Johonny]

5. You can google this information