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Air Force Technical Applications Center

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99-560: The Air Force Technical Applications Center ( AFTAC ), based at Florida's Patrick Space Force Base , is an Air Force surveillance organization assigned to the Sixteenth Air Force . Its mission is to monitor nuclear treaties of all applicable signatory countries. This is accomplished using seismic , hydroacoustic and satellite -detection systems alongside ground based and airborne materials (radioactive debris) collection systems. The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC)

198-419: A blimp squadron detachment, an Aviation Navigation Training School, and an experimental training unit termed Project Baker, a confidential program that developed and tested instrument landing equipment. NAS Banana River hosted a significant aircraft repair and maintenance facility. Later in the war, a small detachment of German POWs from Camp Blanding worked at NAS Banana River on cleanup details. At its peak,

297-568: A downturn in fortunes, and on 1 February 1977, the "Air Force Eastern Test Range" organization was inactivated and its functions transferred to Detachment 1 of the Space and Missile Test Center (SAMTEC) until the activation of the Eastern Space and Missile Center in 1979 on 1 October 1979. In 1990, ESMC was transferred from the inactivating Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) to the newly established Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). On 12 November 1991, ESMC

396-443: A federal government funding cleanup. Discarded material probably included munitions and practice bombs. Contractors bought the land, naming it " South Patrick Shores ". They constructed housing on it from 1956 to 1961. Homeowners had no mandatory solid waste removal until 1982. Residents reported health complaints starting in the 1990s and again in 2018. Responding to these complaints, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers investigated

495-572: A hub for the various fields of science involved in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. The IAEA recognizes knowledge as the nuclear energy industry's most valuable asset and resource, without which the industry cannot operate safely and economically. Following the IAEA General Conference since 2002 resolutions the Nuclear Knowledge Management , a formal program was established to address Member States' priorities in

594-523: A major component of the IAEA's network of analytical labs, AFTAC's analysis was foundational to the report. In January and September 2016, AFTAC sensors detected underground disturbances near North Korea's reported nuclear tests. The center's findings were based on seismic activity and were distributed to American authorities. In September 2017, AFTAC detected nuclear activity in North Korea that registered 6.3 on

693-492: A new Lockheed U-2 aircraft operating location at Patrick AFB, Florida, on 29 January 1982. OL-OF was subsequently redesignated as 9 SRW, Detachment 5 on 1 January 1983 and concentrated on reconnaissance operations (to include MIDAS and HICAT) over Central America and the Caribbean basin, replacing an operational capability that had previously been resident at nearby McCoy AFB until that installation's closure in 1975. Detachment 5

792-423: A search and rescue operation. After sunset on 5 December, two PBM Mariner seaplanes from NAS Banana River, originally scheduled for their own training flights, were diverted to perform square pattern searches in the area west of 29°N 79°W/29, -79. One of these aircraft, a PBM-5, Bureau Number (BuNo) 59225, took off at 19:27 Eastern Time from NAS Banana River, called in a routine radio message at 19:30 Eastern Time, and

891-677: A special meeting of the IAEA General Conference to approve his appointment, on 3 December Grossi became the first Latin American to head the Agency. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine , Grossi visited Ukraine multiple times as part of the ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the war . He warned against any complacency towards the dangers that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant , Europe's largest nuclear power plant,

990-524: A stipulated geographic diversity. The Board, in its five-yearly meetings, is responsible for making most of the policies of the IAEA. The Board makes recommendations to the General Conference on IAEA activities and budget, is responsible for publishing IAEA standards and appoints the Director-General subject to General Conference approval. Board members each receive one vote. Budget matters require

1089-455: A two-thirds majority. All other matters require only a simple majority. The simple majority also has the power to stipulate issues that will thereafter require a two-thirds majority. Two-thirds of all Board members must be present to call a vote. The Board elects its own chairman. The General Conference is made up of all 178 member states. It meets once a year, typically in September, to approve

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1188-590: Is a United States Space Force installation located between Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach , in Brevard County, Florida , United States. It is named in honor of Major General Mason Patrick , USAAC . It is home to Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45), known as the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) when it was part of the Air Force. In addition to its "host wing" responsibilities at Patrick SFB, the 45 SW controls and operates Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and

1287-455: Is in two parts. The regular budget funds most activities of the IAEA and is assessed to each member nation (€344 million in 2014). The Technical Cooperation Fund is funded by voluntary contributions with a general target in the US$ 90 ;million range. In 2011, Russian nuclear accident specialist Yuliy Andreev was critical of the response to Fukushima, and says that the IAEA did not learn from

1386-722: Is not under the direct control of the UN, but the IAEA does report to both the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Unlike most other specialized international agencies, the IAEA does much of its work with the Security Council, and not with the United Nations Economic and Social Council . The structure and functions of the IAEA are defined by its founding document, the IAEA Statute (see below). The IAEA has three main bodies:

1485-414: Is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose." Its primary functions in this area, according to Article III, are to encourage research and development, to secure or provide materials, services, equipment, and facilities for Member States, and to foster the exchange of scientific and technical information and training. Three of the IAEA's six departments are principally charged with promoting

1584-421: Is the only American military unit responsible for providing national authorities with technical measurements to monitor nuclear-treaty compliance. It also develops proliferation-monitoring technologies. AFTAC maintains a system containing more than 3,600 sensors worldwide and a global network of nuclear event-detection equipment called the U.S. Atomic Energy Detection Systems (USAEDS), the largest sensor network in

1683-641: Is the only rescue wing in the Air Force Reserve , operating the HC-130P/N "King" variant of the C-130 Hercules and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, ready for worldwide deployment. In addition to its CSAR mission, the wing also participates in civilian rescue operations, ranging from rescue support for NASA crewed spaceflight operations, to augmentative support to U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) operations, to Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) in

1782-406: Is the sole Department of Defense agency operating and maintaining a global network of nuclear event detection sensors. The 920th Rescue Wing (920 RQW), part of Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), is another tenant command headquartered at Patrick SFB and is the installation's only military flying unit. An Air Combat Command (ACC)-gained combat search and rescue (CSAR) organization, the 920 RQW

1881-655: Is the sole global organisation overseeing the nuclear energy industry, yet it is also weighed down by checking compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In 2011, the journal Nature reported that the International Atomic Energy Agency should be strengthened to make independent assessments of nuclear safety and that "the public would be better served by an IAEA more able to deliver frank and independent assessments of nuclear crises as they unfold". The process of joining

1980-399: Is used in the safest possible way". The IAEA is generally described as having three main missions: According to Article II of the IAEA Statute, the objectives of the IAEA are "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world" and to "ensure ... that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control

2079-595: The Board of Governors , the General Conference , and the Secretariat. The IAEA exists to pursue the "safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear sciences and technology" (Pillars 2005). The IAEA executes this mission with three main functions: the inspection of existing nuclear facilities to ensure their peaceful use, providing information and developing standards to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities, and as

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2178-769: The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna, Austria to improve the International Monitoring System . AFTAC contributes six of its U.S.-based USAEDS seismic monitoring stations to the IMS. AFTAC predecessors detected the first Russian nuclear test conducted on 29 August 1949. On 16 October 1964, AFTAC detected a Chinese atmospheric test. On 11 March 1968, the acoustic signatures of two extended destructive events were detected by four AFTAC hydroacoustic stations in

2277-585: The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI). Total employment is 10,400. There are 13,099 military, dependents, civilian employees, and contractors on base. The base is a census-designated place (CDP) and had a resident population of 1,642 as of the 2020 census , up from 1,222 at the 2010 census . It is part of the Palm Bay — Melbourne — Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area . The base also administers

2376-544: The Eastern Range . It was originally opened and operated from 1940 to 1947 as Naval Air Station Banana River , a U.S. Navy airfield. It was then deactivated as a naval installation in 1947 and placed in caretaker status until it was transferred to the Air Force in late 1948. Additional tenant activities at Patrick SFB include the 920th Rescue Wing , the Air Force Technical Applications Center , and

2475-677: The Malabar Annex in Palm Bay. The facility was due to be renamed Patrick Space Force Base in February or March 2020, but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The facility was finally renamed by Vice President Mike Pence on 9 December 2020. Authorized by the Naval Expansion Act of 1938, Naval Air Station Banana River was commissioned on 1 October 1940 as a subordinate base of

2574-589: The National Security Agency (NSA), as well as scientific payload launches in support of NASA , weather satellite launches in support of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , payloads in support of international customers such as the European Space Agency , and commercial payloads for various corporate communications entities. Units and individuals from the 45th Space Wing-now-SLD 45 have deployed abroad during wartime, most notably during

2673-688: The Richter scale , ten times more powerful than North Korea's detonation in 2016. AFTAC also maintains an array of sensors across the United States as part of the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) program. The program is designed to collect forensic analysis after attacks against American sites or interests to aid the Federal Bureau of Investigation in identifying governmental or terrorist involvement. AFTAC works closely with

2772-693: The Soviet Union would reject any international custody of fissile material if the United States did not agree to disarmament first, but that a clearinghouse for nuclear transactions might be possible. From 8 to 20 August 1955, the United Nations held the International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, Switzerland . In October 1957, a Conference on the IAEA Statute was held at

2871-608: The War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the 2003 invasion of Iraq . The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) is a tenant command headquartered at Patrick SFB. Previously an activity of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (AFISRA), AFTAC became a subordinate unit of Twenty-Fifth Air Force (25 AF) and now the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), both of Air Combat Command (ACC). AFTAC

2970-533: The nuclear reactor explosion and disaster near Chernobyl, Ukraine , the IAEA redoubled its efforts in the field of nuclear safety . The IAEA says that the same happened after the Fukushima disaster in Fukushima, Japan. In June 2011, the IAEA chief said he had "broad support for his plan to strengthen international safety checks on nuclear power plants to help avoid any repeat of Japan's Fukushima crisis". Peer-reviewed safety checks on reactors worldwide, organized by

3069-521: The 1960s, making it a regular focus of media attention. In the 1960s, a test range office at Patrick AFB with a missile backdrop was used to film scenes for the TV sitcom I Dream of Jeannie , which was set in nearby Cocoa Beach (no cast was present). But by the mid-1970s, the demise of the Apollo space program and the end of land-based ballistic missile development at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signaled

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3168-503: The 1986 Chernobyl disaster . He has accused the IAEA and corporations of "wilfully ignoring lessons from the world's worst nuclear accident 25 years ago to protect the industry's expansion". The IAEA's role "as an advocate for nuclear power has made it a target for protests". The journal Nature has reported that the IAEA response to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan was "sluggish and sometimes confusing", drawing calls for

3267-479: The 2010–2011 time frame and were often mistaken by onlookers for the previously retired VC-137 Presidential aircraft (i.e. Air Force One ), which looks similar. On 17 May 1950, the base was renamed the "Long Range Proving Ground Base" but three months later was renamed "Patrick Air Force Base", in honor of Major General Mason Patrick . On 3 May 1951, the Long Range Proving Ground Division

3366-445: The 21st century. In 2004, the IAEA developed a Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT). PACT responds to the needs of developing countries to establish, to improve, or to expand radiotherapy treatment programs. The IAEA is raising money to help efforts by its Member States to save lives and reduce the suffering of cancer victims. The IAEA has established programs to help developing countries in planning to build systematically

3465-449: The Agency or at its request or under its supervision or control are not used in such a way as to further any military purpose; and to apply safeguards, at the request of the parties, to any bilateral or multilateral arrangement, or at the request of a State, to any of that State's activities in the field of atomic energy." The Department of Safeguards is responsible for carrying out this mission, through technical measures designed to verify

3564-469: The Air Force to close the heavily used four-lane State Road A1A , which ran immediately in front of the AFTAC Headquarters building. A1A was later reopened to two-lane traffic with car inspections, followed by two-lane traffic without inspections until a barrier was constructed in front of the building, and the building was reinforced with steel and concrete with the windows sealed. In February 2005,

3663-542: The Air Force's largest source of sensitive radioactive material. In December 2015, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released its final assessment on "Past and Present Outstanding Issues" regarding Iran's nuclear program . AFTAC provided trace forensic analysis of samples supporting the IAEA's mission to monitor Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action . As

3762-558: The Army Air Forces to develop technologies capable of detecting "atomic explosions anywhere in the world." In 1949, a particulate sampler aboard an Air Weather Service modified B-29 Superfortress flying between Alaska and Japan detected debris from the first Soviet atomic test. As the Air Force activated AFTAC in 1959 to prepare to monitor compliance with the Limited Test Ban Treaty , AFTAC assumed some responsibilities for

3861-561: The Atlantic, often at night and/or in bad weather. Because the USAF HH-60 can refuel in flight from the USAF HC-130 , MC-130 , or USMC KC-130 , it possesses a much greater range and mission radius versus similar military helicopters lacking such capability. The 920 RQW is a full participant in the Air Force's Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force (AEF) operating concept. Under this concept,

3960-702: The Banana River remain part of modern-day Patrick Space Force Base. NAS Banana River was transferred to the United States Air Force on 1 September 1948 and renamed the Joint Long Range Proving Ground on 10 June 1949. The installation was renamed Patrick Air Force Base in August 1950. From 1966 to 1975, the Space Coast was the second most visited spot by VIPs , after Washington, DC, due to

4059-523: The Ciambrone Radiochemistry Lab to analyze and assess compliance with nuclear-weapons testing in support of USAEDS and AFTAC's Nuclear Debris Collection and Analysis Program. The 38,000-square-foot (3,500 m) laboratory became necessary after the center's central laboratory at McClellan Air Force Base closed. Unless otherwise indicated, units are based at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. In 1947, General Dwight D. Eisenhower directed

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4158-580: The Director-General, the Board and member states can table issues to be discussed by the General Conference (IAEA Primer). This function of the General Conference is almost identical to the General Assembly of the United Nations . The Secretariat is the professional and general service staff of the IAEA. The Secretariat is headed by the Director General. The Director General is responsible for enforcement of

4257-849: The Earth's surface and prohibits the venting of nuclear debris or radiation from tests into the atmosphere outside the country's national borders. AFTAC also monitors the Threshold Test Ban Treaty of 1974 and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty of 1976. The 1974 treaty limits the size of underground nuclear tests to 150 kilotons, while the 1976 treaty prohibits the testing of nuclear devices outside of agreed treaty sites. AFTAC conducts technical research and evaluates verification technologies for current and future treaties involving weapons of mass destruction . In 2014, AFTAC supplemented its network of contracted laboratories by opening

4356-410: The General Conference can, by simple majority, designate issues to require a two-thirds majority. The General Conference elects a President at each annual meeting to facilitate an effective meeting. The President only serves for the duration of the session (Statute). The main function of the General Conference is to serve as a forum for debate on current issues and policies. Any of the other IAEA organs,

4455-456: The Headquarters of the United Nations to approve the founding document for the IAEA, which was negotiated in 1955–1957 by a group of twelve countries. The Statute of the IAEA was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957. Former US Congressman W. Sterling Cole served as the IAEA's first Director-General from 1957 to 1961. Cole served only one term, after which the IAEA

4554-629: The IAEA Statute defines the Agency's twin objectives as promoting peaceful uses of atomic energy and "ensur[ing], so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose." To do this, the IAEA is authorized in Article III.A.5 of the Statute "to establish and administer safeguards designed to ensure that special fissionable and other materials, services, equipment, facilities, and information made available by

4653-585: The IAEA has laboratories and research centers located in Seibersdorf , Austria, in Monaco and in Trieste , Italy. The Board of Governors is one of two policy-making bodies of the IAEA. The Board consists of 22 member states elected by the General Conference, and at least 10 member states nominated by the outgoing Board. The outgoing Board designates the ten members who are the most advanced in atomic energy technology, plus

4752-704: The IAEA increased its efforts in the field of nuclear safety . The same happened after the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Fukushima, Japan. Both the IAEA and its then Director General, ElBaradei, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. In his acceptance speech in Oslo, ElBaradei stated that only one percent of the money spent on developing new weapons would be enough to feed the entire world, and that, if we hope to escape self-destruction, then nuclear weapons should have no place in our collective conscience, and no role in our security. On 2 July 2009, Yukiya Amano of Japan

4851-498: The IAEA is fairly simple. Normally, a State would notify the Director General of its desire to join, and the Director would submit the application to the Board for consideration. If the Board recommends approval, and the General Conference approves the application for membership, the State must then submit its instrument of acceptance of the IAEA Statute to the United States, which functions as

4950-407: The IAEA, have been proposed. In 1946 United Nations Atomic Energy Commission was founded, but stopped working in 1949 and was disbanded in 1952. In 1953, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the creation of an international body to both regulate and promote the peaceful use of atomic power (nuclear power), in his Atoms for Peace address to the UN General Assembly. In September 1954,

5049-1056: The IAEA. Four states have withdrawn from the IAEA. North Korea was a Member State from 1974 to 1994, but withdrew after the Board of Governors found it in non-compliance with its safeguards agreement and suspended most technical co-operation. Nicaragua became a member in 1957, withdrew its membership in 1970, and rejoined in 1977, Honduras joined in 1957, withdrew in 1967, and rejoined in 2003, while Cambodia joined in 1958, withdrew in 2003, and rejoined in 2009. There are four regional cooperative areas within IAEA, that share information, and organize conferences within their regions: The African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA): Cooperative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA): Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and

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5148-1264: The Naval Air Operational Training Command at Naval Air Station Jacksonville , Florida. The Navy bought 1,900 acres (770 ha) of scrub land south of Cocoa Beach. With the advent of war with Japan and Germany in December 1941, the Navy began anti-submarine patrols along the Florida coast using PBY Catalina and PBM Mariner seaplanes based at this facility. PBMs returned to training duty in March 1942 when replaced on patrol by OS2U Kingfisher seaplanes. Landing strips were constructed in 1943, allowing shore-based aircraft to operate concurrently. The Free French Naval Air Service officers also trained in PBMs at NAS Banana River. Various military-related activities took place at NAS Banana River, including maritime patrol aviation operations against German U-boats, air search and rescue operations, patrol bomber bombardier training, seaplane pilot training, and communications research. Other activities included

5247-440: The Pacific at Midway Island , Kaneohe , Wake Island and Eniwetok and by an AFTAC tap on a U.S. Navy SOSUS array terminating at Adak, Alaska . These signals were analyzed using the differences of arrival times at each station. This detection and localization provided the first specific data on the wreck of the Soviet Golf-II class SSB K-129 , which became the target of the CIA's Project Azorian salvage operation conducted in

5346-405: The Patrick AFB Officers Club was destroyed by an accidental fire. In 2010, the Air Force announced its intention to replace the existing AFTAC building in front of State Road A1A with a new facility costing $ 100 to $ 200 million. At the time of this announcement, this constituted the largest single military construction (MILCON) project in the United States for the Air Force. Completed in 2014,

5445-404: The South Housing area, and Seaside Chapel (Building 440). A "45th Space Wing Chapel" travels with the Wing when it is deployed. The Catholic Group is called "St. George Parish" and meets in Chapel One or Two. While the buildings are owned by the Space Force, the Catholic Parish is under the spiritual direction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA . In 2009, base housing

5544-623: The Space Coast Inn for visiting personnel, dormitories for permanent party single enlisted personnel, quarters for families in three separate housing areas, recreational housing on the beach, beach access, combined officers and enlisted clubs, Commissary , a large AAFES base exchange (BX), library and numerous Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Facilities are used by 4,000 military men and women, 11,500 civilian workers, contractors, and dependents, 43,000 military retirees, and 82,000 members of retirees' families. There are several chapels, including Chapel One, Chapel Two, South Chapel at

5643-477: The Space Program. A protocol officer was assigned to Patrick to coordinate these visits, about three weekly, consisting of 10 to 150 people. In 1971, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) was established at Patrick AFB. Five of the victims of the Khobar Towers bombing in 1996 were home stationed at Patrick AFB as part of the 71st Rescue Squadron (71 RQS). The 71 RQS relocated to Moody AFB , Georgia, in 1997. The 9/11 attacks prompted

5742-458: The U.S. Air Force. When a disturbance is detected underground, underwater, in the atmosphere or in space, the event may be analyzed for nuclear identification, and the findings are reported to national command authorities. AFTAC's nuclear event-detection mission is directly linked to its nuclear treaty-monitoring mission. AFTAC monitors signatory countries' compliance with the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty . This treaty prohibits nuclear testing above

5841-483: The U.S. government's response to the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant experienced a nuclear meltdown in three of the plant's six reactors. AFTAC flew nine nuclear debris-collection sorties, processing 342 seismic events, and analyzed 660 samples from the peninsula. In the summer of 2015, AFTAC removed ten radioactive thermoelectric generators from Alaska that were no longer required. This power source had been

5940-404: The USAEDS and the advancement of long-range detection capabilities. AFTAC's programs evolved into a resource system monitoring compliance with nuclear treaties, supporting the American space program and preparing citizens for nuclear emergencies. Over the years, the Air Force tasked the nuclear treaty-monitoring center to conduct short-notice collection operations. In April 1986, AFTAC responded to

6039-430: The Ukrainian nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union. AFTAC flew 55 sorties compiling 502 flying hours and AFTAC's McClellan Central Laboratory (TOD) processed 354 samples. In October 2006, AFTAC detected an event associated with North Korea's claim of a nuclear test and later provided verification of the nuclear event to national authorities. The center supported Operation Tomodachi ,

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6138-420: The United States proposed to the General Assembly the creation of an international agency to take control of fissile material , which could be used either for nuclear power or for nuclear weapons. This agency would establish a kind of "nuclear bank". The United States also called for an international scientific conference on all of the peaceful aspects of nuclear power. By November 1954, it had become clear that

6237-408: The actions and budgets passed on from the Board of Governors. The General Conference also approves the nominee for Director General and requests reports from the Board on issues in question (Statute). Each member receives one vote. Issues of budget, Statute amendment and suspension of a member's privileges require a two-thirds majority and all other issues require a simple majority. Similar to the Board,

6336-449: The actions passed by the Board of Governors and the General Conference. The Director General is selected by the Board and approved by the General Conference for renewable four-year terms. The Director General oversees six departments that do the actual work in carrying out the policies of the IAEA: Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Safety and Security, Nuclear Sciences and Applications, Safeguards, Technical Cooperation, and Management. The IAEA budget

6435-428: The agency to "take a more proactive role in nuclear safety". But nuclear experts say that the agency's complicated mandate and the constraints imposed by its member states mean that reforms will not happen quickly or easily, although its INES "emergency scale is very likely to be revisited" given the confusing way in which it was used in Japan. Some scientists say that the Fukushima nuclear accidents have revealed that

6534-479: The base complement included 278 aircraft, 587 civilian employees, and over 2800 officers and enlisted personnel. Three months after the end of World War II, on 5 December 1945, NAS Banana River had an ancillary role in the search for Flight 19 , five TBM Avenger torpedo bombers that had departed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale , Florida on a routine over-water training mission. When the flight failed to return to home station, multiple air and naval units undertook

6633-406: The bilges of PBM series aircraft and associated no-smoking regulations, which were reportedly well-posted and rigidly enforced aboard all PBMs. Although the board's report is not a verbatim record and no accusations were made, there seems to be enough inference present to cause one to suspect that the board was aware of the PBM's nickname as "the flying gas tank." As such, it is possible that the PBM-5

6732-531: The bulk of the wing deployed to Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom . Subsequent AEF deployments have included Djibouti and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom . The U.S. State Department 's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Air Wing helps foreign countries combat drugs and narcotics criminals. The Bureau operates a fleet of aircraft, primarily former USAF and USMC OV-10 and former USAF C-27 aircraft at Patrick SFB to help detect and interdict

6831-433: The capability to manage a nuclear power program, including the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Group, which has carried out Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions in Indonesia , Jordan , Thailand and Vietnam . The IAEA reports that roughly 60 countries are considering how to include nuclear power in their energy plans. To enhance the sharing of information and experience among IAEA Member States concerning

6930-452: The construction of a new 74,000 square feet (6,900 m ) medical clinic was started. It was expected to cost $ 18.5 million. International Atomic Energy Agency In Europe: In North America: In Asia: The International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) is an intergovernmental organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons . It

7029-447: The correctness and completeness of states' nuclear declarations. The IAEA classifies safety as one of its top three priorities. It spends 8.9 percent of its 352 million-euro ($ 469 million) regular budget in 2011 on making plants secure from accidents. Its resources are used on the other two priorities: technical co-operation and preventing nuclear weapons proliferation . The IAEA itself says that, beginning in 1986, in response to

7128-545: The depositary Government for the IAEA Statute. The State is considered a member when its acceptance letter is deposited. The United States then informs the IAEA, which notifies other IAEA Member States. Signature and ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are not preconditions for membership in the IAEA. The IAEA has 178 member states. Most UN members and the Holy See are Member States of

7227-669: The developing world. Following the ratification of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1968, all non-nuclear powers are required to negotiate a safeguards agreement with the IAEA, which is given the authority to monitor nuclear programs and to inspect nuclear facilities. In 2005, the IAEA and its administrative head, Director General Mohamed ElBaradei , were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes

7326-596: The drug trade in Bolivia , Colombia , Peru and Afghanistan. Units marked GSU are Geographically Separate Units, which, although based at Patrick, are subordinate to a parent unit based at another location. See Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for units of the 45th Space Wing permanently based there. Space Operations Command (SpOC) Air Combat Command (ACC) Air National Guard (ANG) Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs The base has

7425-763: The end of that year. Pan American operated under contract to the Air Force for the next 34 years (until early October 1988). In 1988, the old range contract was divided into the Range Technical Services (RTS) and the Launch Base Services (LBS) contracts. The RTS contract was awarded to Computer Sciences Raytheon (CSR) in June 1988, and the LBS contract was awarded to Pan American World Services (later known as Johnson Controls ) in August 1988. The Eastern Range supported various missile, crewed, and uncrewed space programs in

7524-544: The foremost nuclear powers, the United States and the Soviet Union. U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower 's " Atoms for Peace" speech , which called for the creation of an international organization to monitor the global proliferation of nuclear resources and technology, is credited with catalyzing the formation of the IAEA, whose treaty came into force on 29 July 1957 upon U.S. ratification. The IAEA serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation on

7623-609: The most advanced members from any of the following areas that are not represented by the first ten: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, South East Asia, the Pacific, and the Far East. These members are designated for one year terms. The General Conference elects 22 members from the remaining nations to two-year terms. Eleven are elected each year. The 22 elected members must also represent

7722-508: The new facility is a 276,000-square-foot (25,600 m ) multistory command and control building with a 38,000-square-foot (3,500 m ) radiochemistry laboratory, 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m ) central utility plant and a 600-space 180,000-square-foot (17,000 m ) parking garage located approximately .25 miles (0.40 km) west of the original AFTAC headquarters building. US Navy Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft, part of Operation Looking Glass , were sometimes seen at Patrick AFB during

7821-471: The nuclear industry lacks sufficient oversight, leading to renewed calls to redefine the mandate of the IAEA so that it can better police nuclear power plants worldwide. There are several problems with the IAEA says Najmedin Meshkati of University of Southern California : It recommends safety standards, but member states are not required to comply; it promotes nuclear energy, but it also monitors nuclear use; it

7920-571: The peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear power worldwide. It maintains several programs that encourage the development of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, science, and technology; provide international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials ; and promote and implement nuclear safety (including radiation protection ) and nuclear security standards. The organization also conducts research in nuclear science and provides technical support and training in nuclear technology to countries worldwide, particularly in

8019-634: The peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Department of Nuclear Energy focuses on providing advice and services to Member States on nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications focuses on the use of non-power nuclear and isotope techniques to help IAEA Member States in the areas of water, energy, health, biodiversity, and agriculture. The Department of Technical Cooperation provides direct assistance to IAEA Member States, through national, regional, and inter-regional projects through training, expert missions, scientific exchanges, and provision of equipment. Article II of

8118-472: The same position and time. No wreckage of PBM-5 BuNo 59225 was ever found. During a board of inquiry investigation regarding the entire Flight 19 incident, attention was given to the loss of the NAS Banana River-based PBM. Several witnesses from both NAS Banana River and other PBM Mariner operating locations were questioned concerning occurrences of aviation gasoline (AvGas) fumes collecting in

8217-854: The seismic safety of nuclear facilities, in 2008 the IAEA established the International Seismic Safety Centre. This centre is establishing safety standards and providing for their application in relation to site selection, site evaluation and seismic design. The IAEA has its headquarters since its founding in Vienna , Austria. The IAEA has two "Regional Safeguards Offices" which are located in Toronto , Canada, and in Tokyo , Japan. The IAEA also has two liaison offices which are located in New York City, United States, and in Geneva , Switzerland. In addition,

8316-403: The site to determine whether a cleanup was necessary. NAS Banana River closed in September 1947 after a gradual deactivation and was placed in a caretaker status. In September 1948, the facility was transferred to the U.S. Air Force. Several of NAS Banana River's original structures, including runway segments, particular hangars, support buildings, seaplane parking areas and seaplane ramps into

8415-980: The summer of 1974. India's first nuclear test was detected on 18 May 1974 by AFTAC. On 22 September 1979, one of the Vela satellites detected a double flash of light, consistent with a nuclear explosion, centered over the Prince Edward Islands . There still exists a great deal of contention about whether the detection was nuclear in origin. AFTAC detected Pakistan's first of five nuclear tests on 28 May 1998, with another nuclear test on 30 May 1998. The Pakistani tests occurred several days after several Indian tests. AFTAC has detected and confirmed each of North Korea's nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017. [REDACTED]  This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Patrick Space Force Base Patrick Space Force Base ( IATA : COF , ICAO : KCOF , FAA LID : COF )

8514-437: The wake of major disasters. Most notable is the 920th's role in crewed spaceflight support to NASA , providing Eastern Range monitoring and having provided search and rescue support for Space Shuttle launches originating from Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Additional operations have included searching the Caribbean for downed aircraft, as well as retrieving critically ill sailors and passengers from ships hundreds of miles out in

8613-553: Was assigned to the newly created Air Research and Development Command (ARDC). The following month the division was redesignated the Air Force Missile Test Center (AFMTC). Cost comparison studies in the early 1950s indicated the desirability of letting contractors operate the station. Pan American World Services signed the first range contract on 31 December 1953. The Air Force Missile Test Center began transferring property and equipment to Pan American World Services at

8712-419: Was destroyed by an explosion resulting from either (a) violation of the no-smoking regulations in the aircraft or (b) a stray electrical spark in the lower aircraft hull that may have ignited AvGas fumes in the bilges. The Navy buried its solid waste southeast of the base, on private land, from 1942 to 1947. The dump was estimated at up to 52 acres (21 ha), of which 25 acres (10 ha) may be eligible for

8811-454: Was elected as the Director General for the IAEA, defeating Abdul Samad Minty of South Africa and Luis E. Echávarri of Spain. On 3 July 2009, the Board of Governors voted to appoint Yukiya Amano "by acclamation", and IAEA General Conference in September 2009 approved. He took office on 1 December 2009. After Amano's death, his Chief of Coordination Cornel Feruta of Romania was named Acting Director General. On 2 August 2019, Rafael Grossi

8910-604: Was established in 1957 as an autonomous organization within the United Nations system ; though governed by its own founding treaty , the organization reports to both the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations , and is headquartered at the UN Office at Vienna , Austria. The IAEA was created in response to growing international concern toward nuclear weapons, especially amid rising tensions between

9009-412: Was facing. The plant has come under fire multiple times during the war. The IAEA's mission is guided by the interests and needs of Member States, strategic plans, and the vision embodied in the IAEA Statute (see below). Three main pillars – or areas of work – underpin the IAEA's mission: Safety and Security; Science and Technology; and Safeguards and Verification. The IAEA as an autonomous organization

9108-416: Was headed by two Swedes for nearly four decades: the scientist Sigvard Eklund held the job from 1961 to 1981, followed by former Swedish Foreign Minister Hans Blix , who served from 1981 to 1997. Blix was succeeded as Director General by Mohamed ElBaradei of Egypt , who served until November 2009. Beginning in 1986, in response to the nuclear reactor explosion and disaster near Chernobyl , Ukraine,

9207-626: Was inactivated at Patrick AFB in 1992. Reference for history summation, major commands assigned and major units assigned The host wing for Patrick SFB is the Space Launch Delta 45 , whose personnel manage all launches of uncrewed rockets at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) 12 miles to the north. These rockets include satellites for the Department of Defense , including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and

9306-483: Was inactivated, and the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) assumed its remaining functions. In 1961, Patrick AFB began hosting a joint Federal Aviation Administration / Air Defense Command (later Aerospace Defense Command ) joint-use radar site featuring an AN/FPS-66 general surveillance radar set for air defense of the Patrick AFB/Cape Canaveral area. Designated site "Z-211" (FAA J-05), the 645th Radar Squadron

9405-590: Was never heard from again. At 19:50 Eastern Time, the tanker SS  Gaines Mills reported seeing a mid-air explosion, then flames leaping 100 feet (30 m) high and burning on the sea for 10 minutes. The position was 28°35′N 80°15′W / 28.59, −80.25. Captain Shonna Stanley of the SS ; Gaines Mills reported searching for survivors through a pool of oil but found none. The escort carrier USS  Solomons  (CVE-67) reported losing radar contact with an aircraft at

9504-567: Was presented as the Argentine candidate to become the Director General of IAEA. On 28 October 2019, the IAEA Board of Governors held its first vote to elect the new Director General, but none of the candidates secured the two-thirds majority (23 votes) in the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors that was needed to be elected. The next day, 29 October, the second voting round was held, and Grossi won 24 votes. He assumed office on 3 December 2019. Following

9603-657: Was privatized and, in addition to active duty personnel and their families, also became available for lease by members of the Reserve and Guard, military retirees, Department of Defense civil service employees, and DOD contractors. In 2010–2012, the 74,000 square feet (6,900 m ) medical clinic underwent a major remodel project. It was estimated to cost $ 18.5 million. In 2020, the Satellite Pharmacy and Dental Clinic were remodeled to bring current with today's standard of care under DHA (Defense Health Administration), and

9702-399: Was reactivated on 28 June 1962 to operate the radar, feeding data to Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) Data Center DC-09 at Gunter AFB , Alabama. Aerospace Defense Command (ADC) operated the radar until 25 April 1976, when it was replaced by a detachment of the 20th Air Defense Squadron (OLA-A). The USAF radar was removed around 1988. After its closure by the Air Force, the facility

9801-652: Was turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The former ADC site was replaced by a new site near Melbourne, Florida , as part of the Joint Surveillance System (JSS), designated by NORAD as Southeast Air Defense Sector (SEADS) Ground Equipment Facility "J-5", with a new ARSR-4 radar. The 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (9 SRW) of the Strategic Air Command established Operating Location OLYMPIC FLAME (OL-OF),

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