Ascension is an island out in the middle of fucking nowhere that somehow has a Space Force base on it. I believe it may be the most isolated island in the world, if not, it’s top 5.

There is no airport. Only way in or out is a boat once a week or month. It’s a postage stamp. The isolation makes Area 51 seem like a bustling metropolis. The very fact that it’s worth the headache and money to maintain a presence there suggests whatever they are doing there is very valuable.

I think the Ascension references are to that island, and whatever mission is being conducted from there. Spying of some sort I have to think.