General Saltzman takes leadership of U.S. Space Force

Author: EIS Release Date: Nov 11, 2022

General B. Chance Saltzman has been officially installed as the new U.S. Chief of Space Operations, the Space Force’s highest-ranking military post.

 

General Saltzman takes leadership of U.S. Space Force

 

Saltzman succeeds General John W. “Jay” Raymond who was the first to lead the newly created arm of U.S. military services.

 

The Space Force’s responsibilities are training, equipping and organising a cadre of space professionals to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.

 

According to the US Department of Defence, its mandate includes developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, refining military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces for use by combatant commands.

 

Heavy lifting

Saltzman praised his predecessor (pictured right, on his appointment) – for doing “the heavy lifting to establish the Space Force” and for being a mentor.

 

“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 group of 15,000 Guardians and civilians who currently comprise the Space Force.

 

“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.

 

Pictured above, General Chance Saltzman assumes responsibility of the Space Force by accepting the flag from Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the transition ceremony for the Chief of Space Operations at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

 

Among those welcoming the new leader was Tom Zelibor, CEO of Space Foundation, the non-profit organization founded in 1983 to support a global space ecosystem.

 

“The vision and distinguished leadership he brings to Space Force could not have happened at a more critical time in our history,” said Zelibor. “The continuing growth of military, civil and commercial dependence on space as a critical infrastructure requires experience such as his, and Space Foundation is prepared to assist him and the Guardians in any way possible.”

 

Raymond

The Space Force was established in December 2019 when President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and General John W. “Jay” Raymond was originally sworn in by US Vice President Mike Pence in a ceremony at the White House back in January 2020.

 

Before his last role, Raymond was the commander of Air Force Space Command, which was redesignated as the U.S. Space Force under that Act.

 

The creation of Space Force marked the first time, since 1947 and the US Air Force, that a new military branch had been created in the US.