Another Thule mission dates back to 1961 when the Air Force established a satellite command and control facility (OL-5) to track and communicate with US satellites in polar orbit.

Now known as Det 3, it is part of the Air Force Space Command worldwide satellite command and control network.

Det 3 is one of nine worldwide satellite tracking stations and constitutes the common user portion of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN).

This network directly supports space operations by providing telemetry tracking and Command and Control to satellites developed and deployed by DOD, other US government agencies, and allied governments.

It also provides data distribution and routing systems to support external users programs and other ground elements

Info provided by Capt. Ken Cozier

Take a look a the history (timeline) of DET-3 here: Thule Tracking Timeline AFD-061205-050.pdf