MYSTIC STAR

MYSTIC STAR is a worldwide communications system providing HF and satellite communications for the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and other senior government and military officials while aboard Special Air Mission aircraft. The system is operated and maintained by elements of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force under the control of the DISA Operations Center.

MYSTIC STAR operates as a separate network from the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS), but leverages HFGCS ground station infrastructure by directly controlling radio equipment located at HFGCS stations worldwide. The network consists of both ultra high frequency satellite and HF networks supporting Presidential, special air, commanders-in-chief, Joint Staff, very important persons, and command airborne missions.

Network Architecture

The MYSTIC STAR HF Network consists of:

• A single master net control station (MNCS) located at Andrews AFB, Maryland, operated by the 89th Communications Group
• Interstation and intersite circuits utilizing HFGCS ground stations
• Relay and auxiliary communications subsystems
• Both ultra high frequency satellite and HF networks

The MNCS at Andrews AFB provides centralized control for the entire MYSTIC STAR network, allowing operators to remotely control HF radio equipment at HFGCS ground stations around the world to communicate with special air mission aircraft.

Management and Operations

HQ AMC/SCP

Headquarters Air Mobility Command Special Programs (HQ AMC/SCP) oversees the MYSTIC STAR system:

• Oversees life-cycle management of the MYSTIC STAR Network
• Develops system architecture, network policy, and guidelines in conjunction with DISA
• Oversees the activities of the MYSTIC STAR Operations Technical Manager's Office
• Manages life cycle, future planning, programming, and budgeting of MYSTIC STAR elements from a system perspective

MYSTIC STAR Operations Technical Manager

The MYSTIC STAR Operations Technical Manager operates from the 789th Communications Squadron at Andrews AFB, Maryland. Responsibilities include:

• Directly interfacing with MYSTIC STAR users
• Evaluating system facilities
• Assessing network performance
• Comparing performance trends to established standards
• Recommending improvements to criteria, documentation, or performance
• Working with personnel on all plans for operating, maintaining, managing, controlling, and configuring the network
• Recommending budgets for network operations
• Reporting operational status, performance status, or limitations of the network to HQ AMC/SCP
• Implementing plans and special system configurations

89th Communications Group

The Commander, 89th Communications Group:

• Manages, operates, and evaluates the MNCS according to DISA Circular 310-70-79
• Provides network status updates to the MYSTIC STAR system manager through the operations technical manager
• Provides facility, administrative, and logistical support for the MNCS

Supported Platforms

MYSTIC STAR provides communications support to various special air mission aircraft, including:

• Air Force One
• Special Air Mission fleet
• VIP aircraft

Beyond direct VIP support, HFGCS stations (which MYSTIC STAR utilizes) also provide communications to the broader fleet of command and control aircraft including NAOC (National Airborne Operations Center), TACAMO, AWACS, and strategic bombers.

Relationship to HFGCS

While MYSTIC STAR is a distinct network with its own command structure and master net control station, it operates by remotely controlling HF radio equipment at HFGCS ground stations. This allows MYSTIC STAR to leverage the worldwide network of high-power HF transmitters without requiring dedicated ground infrastructure. The HFGCS ground stations thus serve dual purposes: supporting general DoD HF communications through the HFGCS network control stations at Andrews and Grand Forks, while simultaneously supporting MYSTIC STAR communications through the separate MYSTIC STAR MNCS at Andrews.

See Also

• High Frequency Global Communications System
• Special Air Mission
• Air Force One
• Emergency Action Message
• Nuclear Command, Control and Communications