7th Space Warning Squadron The 7th Space Warning Squadron ( 7th SWS ) guards the U . S . West Coast against sea - launched ballistic missile s from the eastern outskirts of Beale Air Force Base approximately east of Marysville , California . The 7th SWS is a geographically separated unit of the 21st Space Wing , Peterson Air Force Base , Colorado Springs , Colorado . Mission . SLBM detection . The 7th SWS is primarily responsible for detecting submarine - launched ballistic missile s ( SLBM ) fired in the Pacific Ocean . The unit then determines how many missiles in flight , probable destination , and reports to the North American Aerospace Defense Command ' s missile warning center , Cheyenne Mountain AFS ; United States Strategic Command , Offutt Air Force Base ; and National Command Authority . This unit helps form a two - layered , worldwide network of missile warning systems that also detects ICBM s launched toward North America . Speed is a key factor in day - to - day squadron activities . Within 60 seconds after detecting a launch , the crew on duty has to determine if the detection is valid , under investigation , or anomalous due to computer , mechanical or personnel error . After that , the crew determines the number of launched vehicles and provides impact predictions on North America . Once the information is determined , the unit passes updates to the appropriate authorities . ICBM detection . The 7th SWS ' s corollary mission of Missile Defense supports the Ground - Based Midcourse Defense ( GMD ) element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System . This program ' s objective is the defense of the United States against a threat of a limited strategic ballistic missile attack . The unit ' s Upgraded Early Warning Radar ( UEWR ) detects , acquires , and tracks inbound missiles to provide the necessary data to classify and engage the target . This target data allows the GMD Fire Control and Communications element to generate a weapons task plan , allowing for the engagement , interception , and negation of threat of a ballistic missile reentry vehicle in the exoatmospheric region of space . Satellite catalog . In addition , the squadron helps track earth - orbiting satellites , and reports the information to the Joint Space Operations Center ( JSpOC ) at Vandenberg Air Force Base , northwest of Lompoc , California . This information is then combined with information from other sensors to form a satellite catalog . The JSpOC uses the catalog to keep track of more than 16 , 000 objects in orbit . The catalog is also used to generate the United Nations Registry Report , so national and international agencies can make sure new satellites will safely launch and orbit . Equipment . The PAVE PAWS radar uses nearly 3 , 600 small active antenna elements coordinated by two computers . One computer is on - line at all times , while the second automatically takes control if the first fails . The computers control the distribution of energy to the antennas to form precise patterns , allowing the radar to detect objects moving at a very high speed since no mechanical parts limit the radar sweep . The radar can change its point of focus in milliseconds , while conventional radars may take up to a minute to mechanically swing from one area to another . The main building is shaped like a pyramid with a triangular base 105 feet on each side . The two radiating faces are tilted back 20 degrees . Pave PAWS radar beams reach outward for nearly 3 , 000 nautical miles in a 240 - degree sweep . At its extreme range , it can detect an object the size of a small car . Smaller objects can be detected at closer range . History . The Air Force finished construction of the PAVE PAWS site at Beale in October 1979 . The unit was originally part of Aerospace Defense Command 26th Aerospace Division . In December 1979 , it became part of Strategic Air Command . It attained initial operational capability in August 1980 . The unit transferred to Air Force Space Command in May 1983 , eventually becoming the 7th Missile Warning Squadron . When the Air Force reorganized in 1992 , the 21st Space Wing activated at Peterson AFB . The 7th MWS moved to the 21st SW and was renamed the 7th SWS . In 2007 , 7th SWS completed the upgrade to Upgraded Early Warning Radar . Assignments . Major Command . Air Force Space Command