A Titan 3A rocket launches from pad 15 on February 11, 1965 with the Cape's "Missile Row" in the background. Photo: USAF

On February 4, Headquarters Air Force Space Command issued Special Order GB-005, renaming Cape Canaveral Air Station as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Of course, that wasn't the first time the installation had been designated an Air Force station.

Between April 1, 1974 and April 1994, it was known as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Before that, from Jan. 22, 1964 through March 1974, it was known as Cape Kennedy Air Force Station.

Before that, it was known as Cape Canaveral Missile Test Annex, from Dec. 16, 1955 to March 21, 1964. And before that, from Oct. 5, 1951 through Dec. 15, 1955, it was known as Cape Canaveral Auxiliary Air Force Base. Back in 1950 and early 1951, it was merely designated "Operating Sub-Division #1."

Now, don't get me wrong, folks. As the 45th Space Wing's historian, it's my job to answer questions about the past, and that includes all the significant changes to the names of our principal operating locations. If you want to know what something was called back in the 1950s -- or even before -- ask me.

The Spanish named the area "Cabo de Canaveral" (Cape of the Cane) and marked it on their maps in 1537. Great name -- very descriptive of the local flora, and the Treasure Fleet couldn't miss it when the admiral turned east to sail back to Spain. Just look for some land jutting out from the coastline; look through your spy glass to confirm the land has cane on it, and "Bueno chicos, dar la vuelta!" (Okay, boys, make the turn!)

The name stuck for more than four hundred years, and the community of Cape Canaveral likes it just fine.

I wouldn't make such a fuss about it if I hadn't seen the pattern before. For example, in 1950, the 45th Space Wing's ancestor organization was called the Long Range Proving Ground Division. That name didn't last long. On June 30, 1951, it became the Air Force Missile Test Center. In 1964, it was renamed the Air Force Eastern Test Range, and it stayed that way until Feb. 1, 1977.

There was some confusion over the next organization. It was called "Detachment 1, Space and Missile Test Center." Fortunately, it really wasn't part of our Wing's ancestry, and it went away quietly at the end of September 1979. The Eastern Space and Missile Center was activated Oct. 1, 1979, and that name stuck until it became the 45th Space Wing Nov. 12, 1991.

So, what's in a name? A sense of identity others can recognize instantly. I, for one, am glad we're calling it Cape Canaveral Air Force Station again -- it's the right thing to do. Now, for goodness sake, don't change it!