Guardian Makes History as 10 SOPS’ First Military-Qualified SSO

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Aidan Auci
POINT MUGU, Calif. --  Formerly the Naval Space Operations Center, uniformed Navy enlisted crew members were phased out over thirteen years ago and replaced by civilian and contractor crews. Since NAVSOC’s transition into U.S. Space Force in 2022, the 10th Space Operations Squadron has made history certifying its first enlisted Satellite System Operator marking a significant milestone in the unit’s evolution and reintegration of Guardian military crew operations.

Spc. 4 David Marshall’s journey to becoming the first 10th SOPS military-qualified SSO began with a childhood dream. “My dream in high school was to always work with space equipment and with space,” said Marshall whose dream became a reality through determination, a willingness to embrace new opportunities, and rigorous training pushing him to his limits.

Originally from Tulsa, Okla., Marshall enlisted in the Space Force on July 4, 2022. Following six-months of training at Keesler Air Force Base, he initially worked in cyber radio transmissions, supporting the Deployable Operations Module mobility mission. While his duties included vital tasks like maintaining equipment and driving trucks, Marshall’s ambition laid elsewhere. “I wanted to be an operator,” he stated.

A temporary duty assignment to Vandenberg Space Force Base presented an unexpected opening into the world of Narrowband Satellite Communications. “I had no idea what that was,” Marshall admitted, but the experience set him on a new career trajectory. In May, he arrived as the first tranche of enlisted members at the 10th SOPS secondary Satellite Operations Center at Schriever SFB, Colo., ready to tackle the demanding SSO qualification course.

The initial phase of training consisted of intensive classroom instruction and examinations. “The second half was hands-on with equipment; that’s when it started to get fun,” Marshall recalled. The training utilized live operational systems, a departure from typical simulated environments. “It’s all real world. There’s no practice equipment for Legacy systems,” he explained, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the training. “It was definitely a stressful time.”

Marshall’s final evaluation was conducted under real-life operational conditions at Point Mugu, Calif., using live mission equipment. His performance was assessed by two civilian evaluators, Alexis Uc and Fabian Sanchez, during a challenging scenario. Marshall’s composure and methodical approach did not go unnoticed. He passed on his first attempt, achieving a Q1; the highest possible score, with only two minor errors.

Sanchez praised Marshall’s “ability to maintain composure” and his “methodical approach.” Dana Holloway, Mission Ops Division Head, echoed this sentiment, exclaiming Marshall's "critical thinking skills are high.”

“I could not be prouder to take Spc. Marshall to the top of Laguna Peak overlooking Point Mugu to present him with his red-bordered Combat Squadron crew patch” said Space Force Lt. Col. Jesse Diaz, 10 SOPS commander. As a nod to the unit’s transition from Navy to Space Force, Lt. Col. Diaz also presented Marshall with both the NAVSOC and 10 SOPS commander’s coin as a symbol of successful transition between the two services.

Now a fully qualified SSO, Marshall finds the fast-paced and innovative nature of his work most rewarding. “Things are constantly developing; we have a chance to shape the future in a cool way,” he said. Above all, he takes pride in achieving a goal he has pursued since his enlistment. “I’m glad to finally be an operator.”

The 10th SOPS, a component of Mission Delta 8, headquartered at Point Mugu, Calif., is responsible for operating, managing, and maintaining assigned satellites and ground systems. The squadron provides continuous and reliable satellite narrowband communications in direct support of fleet, joint, and interagency operations.

 

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