It operates the PAVE PAWS radar to watch for missiles launched toward North America.

The squadron was first organized in October 1979 as the 6th Missile Warning Squadron The mission of the 6th SWS is to observe United States coasts for incoming sea–launched or intercontinental ballistic missiles using the PAVE PAWS radar system.

Also, the 6th is to determine the potential threat of the numbers and destination of incoming missiles; then report continuous information to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, and NORTHCOM.

[2] PAVE PAWS also generates information on the location and velocity of earth-orbiting satellites to NORAD.

The 2165th Communications Squadron was a separate tenant at CCAFS until 1986 when it was merged with the 6th SWS.