Floating Down Torrance Boulevard Sharing the Space Force Mission

  • Published
  • By Linda Kane, SSC Public Affairs
How do you turn shower curtains and aluminum foil into a parade-inspired replica of a GPS satellite? For Space Systems Command (SSC), the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Field Command responsible for space acquisition, the answer is with lots of creativity and a huge dose of teamwork from the Guardian, Airmen, civilian and contractor volunteers who stepped up to give the U.S. Space Force its due as the honored service in the 62nd annual Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade on May 18, 2024.

Volunteers from across the command gave it their awls, as well as their screw drivers, drills, and other assorted tools to create fun replicas of key satellites that help to power our Nation's military might in space.

“Being selected as the honored military service for this year’s parade was especially meaningful as the Space Force ushers in its fifth anniversary this December,” said Col. Michelle Idle, deputy commander of SSC, headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base, who rode in the parade ahead of the satellite floats. “We wanted to ensure that we did the entire Space Force proud with our representation in the parade and related activities."

While the Army has its tanks, the Navy and Coast Guard have their ships and boats, and the Air Force has its jets, many Space Force assets are truly out of this world—orbiting up to 22,000 miles above earth.

“We talked a lot about what we could bring to the parade and that’s when the idea of recreating some of our key satellites was born,” said Capt. Katelin Robinson, public affairs officer for Space Base Delta 3 (SBD3) at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

When choosing which three Space Force satellites to represent, GPS quickly rose to the top of the list. “It’s something everyone, military or not, relates to and actually uses daily. Can you imagine life without GPS?” said Amanda Mills, public affairs’ project lead who oversaw the float builds.

“We had zero budget and limited time, but there was no lack of resource when it came to creativity and teamwork,” said Mills. “These floats were just one tiny example of the big things we can (and regularly do) manifest when we all come together and support one another and our mission.”

In addition to the design and creative elements, there was plenty of MacGyver-like engineering and heavy lifting involved, with a crucial assist coming from the 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron (CELS) representatives Mr. Ricardo Vera, Mr. Dilver Funes, Tech. Sgt. Vincent Manabat, and team.

“This would never have happened without the over-and-above support when we partnered with 61 CELS,” said Mills. “Ricardo Vera and his team not only provided three vehicles to use as traveling satellites in the parade, but they also volunteered their time to engineer and build exterior frames for each float, sustainably repurposing materials such as metal signs to transform each cart into a satellite float that kids and adults, alike, would enjoy.”

Taking a lead position in the parade, the USSF GPS Satellite float featured SBD3’s April 2024 Knight of the Month, Officer Khaia Calfee, along with 1st Lt. Leigha Woelffer, and was driven by Funes, who structurally made each of the three floats come to life.

The second float, representing a USSF Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Missile Warning satellite, was driven by Torrance Military Affairs Council Hidden Hero Winner, Sgt. Melvin Smith, and accompanied by fellow award winners, Capt. Wesley Jackson and Tech. Sgt. Alex Inn.

The final float, inspired after a Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Satellite, was driven by Mr. Mike Dolan, deputy program executive officer for SSC Space Sensing, accompanied by his family.  Space Force’s Polaris Award recipient, Maj. Anthony Gentry rode the SBIRS float while proudly waving to parade-goers along the route.

“Hearing kids along the parade route cheer and shout ‘I wanna be in Space Force’ truly made the effort worthwhile,” said Mills.

Thank you to the many volunteers across Space Systems Command and Los Angeles Air Force Base and their family members who made the satellite floats come to life, including:
 
Capt. Katelin Robinson
Ms. Michiko Riley
Ms. Amanda Mills
Mr. Ricardo Vera
Mr. Dilver Funes
Tech. Sgt. Vincent Manabat
Sgt. Melvin Smith 
Senior Master Sgt. Rodger Jones
Senior Master Sgt. Jaclyn Camacho
Tech. Sgt. Randy Duffy
Master Sgt. Terielle Wilhite
Mr. Mike Dolan
Ms. Irina Dolan
Maj. Anthony Gentry
Officer Khaia Calfee
1st Lt. Leigha Woelffer
Capt. Wesley Jackson
Tech. Sgt. Alex Inn
Senior Airman Alexander Lomentigar
Ms. Bonnie Poindexter
Ms. Sarah McNulty
Ms. Linda Kane
Ms. Nicole Elisseos
Mr. Ermir Bakraci
Mr. Paul Anderson
Ms. Karen Thomas

Space Systems Command, headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, has participated in the annual parade and festivities for many years, but this is the first time they have provided floats. Will this become an annual tradition? Join us next year to find out!