The 76th Space Control Squadron, Peterson AFB, Colo., is Air Force Space Command’s first offensive and defensive counterspace technology squadron. THE 76th SPCS Explores capabilities to achieve space superiority in support of theater campaigns. MISSION The 76th SPCS deploys counterspace prototypes to Department of Defense exercises around the world. The unit uses experience gained in the field to improve future designs and to advance emerging command & control, logistic and operational concepts. HISTORY The history of the 76th dates to the earliest days of World War II. During the Summer of 1941, Army Captain Claire L. Chennault formed a small group of American pilots into the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, Aviation Volunteer Group. The unit immediately garnered international attention for their combat successes while defending China¾ they became known as the "Flying Tigers." On 18 December 1941, the 3rd was redesignated as the 76th Pursuit Squadron and subsequently the 76th Fighter Squadron on May 15, 1942. The unit fought the remainder of the war under the 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force. Following World War II the 76th was deactivated and reactivated a number of times. Over this period, the squadron conducted P-47, RF-80, F-89, F-102, A-7 and A-10 flying operations. These operations included distinguished service during Operation DESERT STORM where the unit earned the Defense of Saudi Arabia and Defense of Kuwait campaign streamers. DESERT STORM lessons on space power convinced Air Force leaders to reactivate the unit as the 76th Space Operations Squadron in December 1995. The 76th deployed Air Force Space Support Teams to bring space expertise to expeditionary air forces and air operations centers around the world. Over their tenure, the 76th Space Operations Squadron deployed to make significant contributions during JOINT ENDEAVOR, DENY FLIGHT, DESERT FOX, DESERT THUNDER and ALLIED FORCE. The squadron was deactivated on 21 January 2001 and its campaign streamers transferred to the 76th Space Control Squadron during its activation on Jan. 22, 2001.

READ ABOUT HISTORY OF THE 76TH

1. Maj Edward F. Rector  -  4 Jul 1942
2. Lt Col Bruce K. Holloway -  5 Dec 1942
3. Capt (later Maj) Grant Mahony - 2 Jan 1943
4. Capt William Miller  - 9 Jun 1943
5. Capt (later Maj) Robert Costello  - Jul 1943
6. Capt James M. Williams  - Oct 1943
7. Capt (later Maj) John S. Stewart  - Jan 1944
8. Maj (later Lt Col) Charles E. Griffith - May 1944
9. Maj (later Lt Col) L. V. Teeter - Dec 1944
10. Maj (later Lt Col) David T. Whiddon - Jun 1945
11. Maj Eugene McGuire   -  Oct 1945-c. Dec 1945
Squadron Inactivated 5 Jan 1946 - 10 Oct 1946
12. Capt (later Maj) Victor N. Curtis  - 10 Oct 1946
13. Maj Robert M. Levy  -    5 Oct 1948-1949
Squadron Inactivated   24 Sep 1949 - 18 Aug 1955
14. Lt Col Walter R. Hardee Jr  - 1956
15. Maj Morris F. Wilson  - 1957
16. Lt Col Donald V. Miller  - 11 Sep 1959
17. Maj William B. Howell  - 1 Feb 1961
18. Lt Col Frederick D. Ellis  - 1961
19. Maj Willliam B. Howell  - 29 Dec 1961
20. Lt Col (later Col) James A. Hearn  - 15 Feb 1962
21. Maj Robert W. Thompson  - 6 May 1963
22. Capt Frederick W. Knops Jr.  - 28 May 1963-1 Jul 1963 
Squadron Inactivated   -   1 Jul 1963 - 1Oct 1972
23. Lt Col John B. Cutler,  - 1 Oct 1972
Researching (1972-85)
23.   LtCol Wallace “Bing” Girling. 1972 - ? (actual dates uk)
Col. Arthur L. Chase 1976-1977
LtCol Jim Jamerson LtCol Jim Jamerson LtCol Jim Jamerson 1979-1980
LtCol Joe Redden 1980-1982
LtCol Roger Carleton 1982-1984
LtCol Bob Hoh 1984-1985
Ron Cooper 1985
Lt Col Ron Cooper  - 1985-1987
Lt Col Bill Pitts  - 1987-1989
Lt Col Victor E. Renuart Jr  - 1989-1991
Squadron Inactivated    -    1992-1Dec 1995
Lt Col Thomas Meade,  - 1 Dec 1995- July 1996
Lt Col Dallas Stephens  - July 1996-5 Sep 1997
Lt Col Craig Brazeau  - 6 Sep 1997-19 Oct 1997
Lt Col Mary Staley  - 20 Oct 1997-5 Jul 1999
Lt Col David Ziegler   - 6 Jul 1999- 22 May 2001
Lt Col Sam McCraw - 23 May 2001
Lt Col Todd Gossett - 4 Feb 2004