Thule Air Base (pronounced too-lee) is located in Greenland - a country within the Kingdom of Denmark and inhabited by approximately 56,000 people. Greenland covers nearly 840,000 square miles; more than 80 percent is covered either by the ice cap or smaller glaciers. Thule AB is locked in by ice nine months out of the year, but the airfield is open and operated year round.

Thule AB exists today due to agreements between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark, specifically addressing mutual defense. Strategically, Thule AB’s “Top of the World” vantage point enables Space Superiority. Thule AB supports Missile Warning, Missile Defense and Space Surveillance missions from the solid-state phased-array radar operated by the 12th Space Warning Squadron (12 SWS) and Satellite Command and Control through the Thule Tracking Station operated by the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1 (Det-1).

Thule AB, the DoD's northernmost installations, is operated by the 821st Space Base Group and part of Space Base Delta 1. Read more about their mission in their recent newsletter.

821st SPACE BASE GROUP (821 SBG)
The mission of the 821st Space Base Group is to enable force protection, space superiority and scientific research in the Artic Region for our nation and allies through integrated base support and defense operations. The 821 SBG operates not only the DoD's northernmost installation but also the world's northernmost deep-water Seaport and provides a unique platform for artic training, international scientific research and environmental programs.

821st SUPPORT SQUADRON (821 SPTS)
The mission of the 821st Support Squadron is to provide outstanding mission support to enable force projection, space superiority, and scientific research in the Arctic Region for our Nation and allies. This is done through engineering, medical, communication, logistics, services and airfield operations in support of the 821 SBG and tenant organizations. Most personnel within the squadron serve as Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) for the Base Maintenance Contract.

821st SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON (821 SFS)
The mission of the 821st Security Forces Squadron is to DEFEND, TRUST, and CHALLENGE. Defend the base and each other. Trust each other enabling candid feedback and allow room for growth. Last but not least, Challenge each other and yourself every day to be better! Our mission set ranges from providing security to protection level resources, to investigating mishaps and crimes at Thule.

12th SPACE WARNING SQUADRON (12 SWS)
The mission of the 12th Space Warning Squadron is to execute flawless Missile Warning, Missile Defense, and innovative Space Surveillance operations in order to deter aggression, secure space, and if necessary, prevail in conflict. 12 SWS crews operate the Upgraded Early Warning Radar weapon system, a phased-array radar that detects and reports attack assessments of sea-launched and intercontinental ballistic missile threats in support of strategic missile warning and missile defense. Additionally, the radar supports Space Domain Awareness by tracking and characterizing objects in orbit around the earth. 12 SWS is part of the United State Space Force and reports to Space Delta 4, located at Buckley SFB, Colorado.

DETACHMENT 1 (Det-1), 23rd SPACE OPERATIONS SQUADRON (23 SOPS), 50th SPACE WING
23 SOPS, Detachment 1 is one of seven Remote Tracking Stations in the Air Force Satellite Control Network. Located approximately 3.5 miles NE of Thule main base, Det 1 provides access to satellites for over 20K annual supports to the US Department of Defense, the US Government, and our allies. Detachment 1 reports to the 23rd Space Operations Squadron at New Boston Space Force Station, New Hampshire, which in turn reports to Space Delta 6 located at Schriever SFB, Colorado.