Lt. Col. Matthew Lintker

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Lintker is the Commander, 18th Space Defense Squadron (18 SDS), Vandenberg SFB, California. He commands the U.S. Space Force’s premier space domain awareness squadron comprised of approximately 115 active-duty military members, coalition partners and civil servants. The squadron provides and advances a continuous, comprehensive, and combat-relevant understanding of the space situation in support of United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) objectives.

The 18 SDS accomplishes its space domain awareness mission by executing command and control of the space surveillance network (SSN) and integrating advanced analysis, sensor optimization, conjunction assessment, human spaceflight support, object re-entry and break-up assessment, launch analysis, and maneuver forensics. All of which is necessary to enhance an information advantage and enable space superiority in defense of United States and allied interests. Additionally, the squadron is tasked with executing USSPACECOM’s space situational awareness (SSA) sharing program provide critical data to governmental agencies and commercial satellite owners and operators in order to ensure a safe, secure, sustainable, and stable space environment.

Lt Col Lintker earned his commission upon graduating from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His career spans multiple operational assignments in Air Force Space Command and the National Reconnaissance Office, and he has served in a variety of staff positions at the wing, Major Command, and Service headquarters levels. Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Lintker was the Chief, Competitive Activities Division, Directorate of CHECKMATE, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He is married to the former Raquel Pando of El Paso, Texas, and they have two children, Harper and Austin.