March: In like a lion, out like a lion Published March 11, 2011 By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson Commander, 45th Space Wing PATRICK AFB, Fla. -- We've all heard the old saying that "March comes in a like a lion." Well, over the past couple weeks, we've seen how very true that can be. We have lived it here. And it's not like we're slowing down anytime soon. Since providing support for Shuttle Discovery's final mission Feb. 24, we have successfully launched the X-37B perched atop an Atlas V rocket last Saturday, provided support for Discovery's Shuttle landing Wednesday, and will put into orbit a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office later today. Speaking of today, getting a rocket and its payload to launch "today" often takes a lot of "today's" before that launch day. And our team of launch professionals works behind the scenes making that "launch today" happen. One important "pre-launch today" happened last week. And it was a big one. The first-ever dedicated satellite for the U.S. Air Force's Space-Based Infrared System next-generation missile warning system arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is scheduled to launch from there in early May, once again given a ride by our Atlas V rocket. Years in the building, this satellite will help protect our warfighters and families from those who want to do us harm. We could not be more proud to play a very significant part in its maiden launch. And we, Lisa and I and the entire command team, could not be more proud of what you do - and have continued to do for more than half a century. Just take a look at your success record. Some things really do speak for themselves.