Pledging to build on the Space Force’s achievements while also infusing the nascent service with new approaches, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman was officially installed Nov. 2 as Chief of Space Operations, the service’s highest-ranking military post and only the second person to hold the position in the Space Force’s history.
In remarks during a solemn “Change of Responsibility” ceremony in which he was elevated to the job from retiring CSO, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, Saltzman promised to “work relentlessly to make the Space Force the combat-ready force that our nation needs” while acknowledging it “will not be an easy or short-lived task.”
Saltzman praised Raymond for doing “the heavy lifting to establish the Space Force,” for being a mentor and for setting the Space Force on a path on which Saltzman can build. He also thanked his wife Jennifer, his two children and a long list of other, unnamed friends and colleagues who he said comprised the “bedrock of support” across his career.
“My goal will be to provide you the resources, tools, training and experiences you need to unlock your massive potential,” he said, referring to the cadre of nearly 15,000 Guardians and civilians who currently comprise the Space Force. Saltzman said he will rely on them to continue building the Space Force and ensuring that it succeeds.
“You have my commitment that I will work relentlessly to make the Space Force the combat-ready force that our nation needs, so get ready because I’m going to need your best as well,” he said.
Source: Space Force (Charles Pope)
Picture: U.S. Air Force – Staff Sgt. Adam Shanks
Space Development Agency transfers to USSF
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Space Development Agency, responsible for rapid delivery of space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter, transferred to the U.S. Space Force, Oct. 1, 2022, as part of a planned realignment mandated by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act.
“SDA will be key to rapidly delivering space capability to our warfighters. SDA’s proliferated
low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, as an integral part of the Space Force’s force design, brings resiliency, accelerated capability delivery through spiral development, and rapid technology refresh,” said Frank Calvelli, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. “I fully support their strategy, and we will maintain their structure and culture to let them continue to move fast and do what they do best. I’m excited for this dynamic organization to join the Space Force team.”
SDA originally stood up in March 2019 under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering as an independent defense agency with the understanding that it would eventually become part of the USSF.
SDA brings a unique acquisition strategy focused on proliferation and spiral development that enables faster and cheaper capability delivery by designing and rapidly deploying a threat-driven constellation of small satellites. SDA aims to provide responsive and resilient space capabilities and support the joint force, increasing the warfighter’s lethality, maneuverability, and survivability.
“As we transfer to the U.S. Space Force, SDA looks forward to continuing our important work on the National Defense Space Architecture, which will deliver critical space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter,” said Dr. Derek Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency. “Our team is committed to carry on the same dedication to speed, delivery and agility that our agency has demonstrated in the past and we’re grateful for the support of leadership to carry on our mission and maintain our values as part of the U.S. Space Force team.”
As part of the U.S. Space Force, SDA will report to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration for acquisition matters and to the Chief of Space Operations for all other matters.
SDA programs will be an integral part of the space architecture in areas such as communications, data transport, and missile warning and tracking. Within the USSF, SDA, Space Systems Command, and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office will provide space capabilities critical to ensuring the resilient architecture needed to counter today’s emerging threats.
