DECEMBER 12, 2023 – Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has redesignated Space Operations Command West as U.S. Space Forces – Space, a U.S. Space Force Component Field Command directly subordinate to the Chief of Space Operations for execution of the Secretary of the Air Force’s responsibilities under Title 10, U.S. Code for Service-specific administration and support functions on Dec. 6.
U.S. Space Command Commander, Army Gen. James H. Dickinson has designated the U.S. Space Forces – Space Commander Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, to dually serve as the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, granting Schiess authority over all space forces presented by the services to the combatant command.
The activation of Space Forces – Space ensures space forces are most efficiently presented to U.S. Space Command to best meet challenges presented by the dynamic national security environment and the return to great power competition.
Previously, Space Operations Command was assigned to U.S. Space Command as the Space Force service component.
The service component responsibilities have been removed from Space Operations Command and realigned under U.S. Space Forces – Space.
This realignment streamlines the mission of the service component.
Joint responsibilities within U.S. Space Command previously held by the commanders of Combined Task Force Space Operations, Combined Force Space Component Command and Joint Task Force-Space Defense will be transitioned to Schiess in his role as Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander.
Space Forces – Space was activated on Dec. 6, following U.S. Senate confirmation of Schiess’ promotion to lieutenant general.
An activation ceremony is scheduled to take place in January.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs