UNSC Air Force
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| UNSC Air Force | |
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 The logo of the Air Force
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Aerospace force[2] |
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Atmospheric operations and orbital defense[2] |
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The UNSC Air Force is the aerospace warfare service branch of the United Nations Space Command responsible for atmospheric operations and orbital defense.[2][5] The Air Force maintains numerous orbital defense satellites, automated drone fleets, and manned aerospace interceptors to defend human space, often working closely with the UNSC Navy and Army.[2][6]
Mission and roles[edit]
- "Provide aerospace defense and conduct space control operations."
- — The official mission statement of the UNSC Air Force[2]
The official mission of the UNSC Air Force is to maintain aerospace superiority over the worlds of the Unified Earth Government, as well as conduct space control operations. In this capacity, the Air Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping air and space forces to interdict and destroy enemy attacks before and after they enter a world's orbit.[2][7] The Air Force's collateral functions include:
- Deployment and maintenance of UNSC unmanned defense satellites and orbital defense platforms.[2]
- Monitoring and regulating military and civilian orbital activities.[2]
- Development of doctrine, procedures, and equipment that are of common interest to the Army and Navy.[2]
- Furnishing launch and space support for the Army and Navy.[2]
The Air Force's orbital defense satellites and aerospace interceptors are among the first lines of defense for a colony. The Air Force's vigilance is crucial to a world's defense, ensuring that threats are detected early and either eliminated or delayed so reinforcements may be requested. The Air Force operates a network of quick reaction squadrons on Earth and the Inner Colonies, which are prepped and ready to deploy with atmospheric fighters and military spaceplanes at the first sign of an attack. These fighters operate in chorus with orbiting surveillance and weapons satellites to delay and attrition attacks, while supporting available Navy fleet assets. The Air Force takes the defense of in orbit and near orbit territory solemnly, operating both manned and unmanned fighters and drones.[2][6]
Other duties of the Air Force include maintaining security forces for airbase and spaceport defense.[8][9] The Air Force also provides search and rescue support.[3][10]
History[edit]
The UNSC Air Force was formed as one of the four service branches of the United Nations Space Command armed forces in December 2163.[1] The Air Force participated in the Insurrection.[3]
During the Human-Covenant War, the Air Force maintained strong lines of defense on Earth and the Inner Colonies, amassing an impressive kill ratio against invading Covenant forces despite their substantial technological and numerical disadvantage.[2] The human Outer Colony of Meridian was home to an impressive UNSC Air Force garrison and orbital defense grid. When the colony was attacked by the Covenant in 2548, the Air Force aided in Meridian's defense, leading to an extended battle lasting three years.[11] The Air Force was present during the Fall of Reach, where their D77 Pelican dropships provided transport and close air support to UNSC Army and Marine forces. Additionally, Air Force Longsword interceptors provided air support for ground forces.[12] The Air Force would later participate in the Battle for Earth, notably engaging in an operation with Marine forces to destroy Skar'wa-pattern Mantis emplacements near Voi, allowing Battle Group Victory to assault the High Prophet of Truth's Forerunner Dreadnought.[13][14]
In February 2558, the Air Force was involved in the Requiem Campaign alongside other UNSC forces.[15]
Organization[edit]
Administration and structure[edit]
The UNSC Air Force is one of the five service branches of the United Nations Space Command's armed forces,[1] subordinate to UNSC High Command. The senior officer of the Air Force holds a seat on the UNSC Security Council, the senior leadership cabinet of the Armed Forces.[16] The current senior officer is General R. Dellert.[4] The Air Force is structured under the Unified Ground Command (UNICOM), which coordinates the Armed Force's terrestrial and close-orbit missions.[16