OCTOBER 12, 2023 – With only a few days in his new seat, the service’s newest ranking Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna joined Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman on a visit to the Indo-Pacific region Sept. 18-26 to reinforce the U.S.-Japan Alliance and bolster integrated deterrence through enhanced space security cooperation.
Bentivegna is the second Guardian to assume the responsibility as the Space Force’s top enlisted leader, providing direction for the service and enlisted force.
“I think the trip went very well,” Bentivegna said. “It was important on a couple different fronts for me. With just two days in the seat, I got a chance to travel with the CSO and connect with him on his thoughts and strategic messaging and we visited our units in Maui, Misawa and Tokyo, and were able to connect with our allied partners.”
The trip began with a visit to the Maui Space Surveillance Complex in Hawaii, where Guardians conduct Space Domain Awareness operations as well as Space Domain Awareness research and development with Air Force Research Lab partners.
After Saltzman gave a keynote address at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies conference, Bentivegna and he made their way to Japan.
The two engaged with Japanese allies reinforcing the importance of partnerships in the space domain for the Joint Force and allies.
During the visit, Bentivegna recognized the dedication and professionalism displayed by the Guardians. The Guardians, in turn, were honored and motivated bringing their families to get a chance to meet the new CMSSF.
“I always enjoy it when I get to engage with Guardians,” said Bentivegna. “It was a short engagement, but we got a chance, and even a couple of minutes means a lot.”
The visit also gave Saltzman and Bentivegna an opportunity to engage with Japanese and joint senior leaders and foster a sense of shared purpose and vision.
“We will work together with Japan and other like-minded nations committed to establishing norms of responsible behavior, and deter conflict for the safety and security, stability and sustainability in the space domain,” said Saltzman.
This overseas visit served as a testament to the unity, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the Space Force, highlighting the extraordinary potential that emerges when inspired leaders, dedicated Guardians and allies come together in pursuit of a shared mission.
“This trip was a great opportunity to meet and represent our Guardians,” Bentivegna said. “To spend time with them and hear what’s on their mind is invaluable and I am very proud of them, their service, and their efforts to build partnerships across the globe.”
By Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs