Space Operations Command welcomes new commander

Published Jan. 9, 2024
By Space Operations Command Public Affairs

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command held a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan, 9, where Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting relinquished command to Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman served as the presiding officer for the ceremony. During his remarks, Saltzman spoke about SpOC’s mission evolution and its vitality to national defense.

“Our ability to adapt, to stay ahead of emerging threats and to seize new frontiers will be instrumental in maintaining our superiority in space in this era of Great Power Competition,” Saltzman said. “These challenges will be expertly addressed because of our Guardians and the missions they execute under SpOC.”

After assuming command, Miller spoke about his goals for his tenure as SpOC’s commander.

“As I see it, our task from the Secretary and the CSO is pretty clear: to build on and also build out the combat space power of this nation,” said Miller. “We need to provide a United States Space Force service force provider to coordinate, prioritize and recommend to our CSO combat-sourcing solutions to solve the joint force’s problems.”

Miller also expressed optimism for the command’s future.

“I am excited about this opportunity, but our work is far from done,” Miller said. “We need to set our horizons high, and we will achieve the goals we set up.”

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command former commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan. 9, 2024. Miller is SpOC’s second commander since it’s activation October 21, 2020. SpOC’s mission is to protect America and our Allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.

Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan. 9, 2024. Miller is SpOC’s second commander since it’s activation October 21, 2020. SpOC’s mission is to protect America and our Allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command former commander and Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., render a salute during the U.S. National Anthem at a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan. 9, 2024. Whiting relinquished command to Miller during the ceremony. SpOC’s mission is to protect America and our Allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.

Whiting served as the first commander of SpOC from the field command’s inception in October 2020. During the ceremony, he reflected on SpOC’s accomplishments during his tenure and expressed the pride he had leading the command’s Guardians and Airmen.

“Leading SpOC has been an absolute honor, and counting their successes has been akin to counting all the trackable objects on orbit—a monumental task that keeps expanding with every passing day,” said Whiting. “I am confident that SpOC will continue delivering world-class combat power for the Joint Force and our allies and will reach even greater heights.”

Saltzman also highlighted some of SpOC’s accomplishments during Whiting’s tenure.

“SpOC was able to field Combat-Ready Forces by activating 13 new Space Deltas and over 50 Detachments and Squadrons, organizations solely focused on functions and missions in order to streamline operations, all while continuing to oversee space operations and serve as the service component to U.S. Space Command,” he said. “These capabilities represent a service prepared to control the space domain—with force, if necessary—as part of the Joint Force, and none of that would be possible without the talented and innovative Guardians and Airmen from SpOC and the leadership of General Whiting.”

Space Operations Command is responsible for generating and presenting combat-ready space forces to all Combatant Commands to deliver space effects.