DECEMBER 11, 2025 – The United States Space Force held its third annual Guardian Arena, Dec. 8-9, at Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base, where units competed in a series of physical, academic and tactical events designed to measure operational readiness and team performance.
The two-day competition featured an academic challenge, the tactical “Guardian Strike” and 14 physical and problem-solving stations across both locations. Teams earned cumulative scores for each event. The Space Force announced the top five teams at the close of the competition, while the overall winners will be recognized during the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference 2025 later this week.
Officials released the top five finishers, listed here in no particular order:
- Space Launch Delta 30
- Delta 9
- National Space Intelligence Center
- Delta 1
- Delta 3
Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations Brig. Gen. Nick Hague opened the event by recognizing the preparation required to qualify and the operational relevance of the skills being tested.
“Guardians underpin the joint force, and you protect the American way of life,” Hague said. “The nation needs us to be that resilient, combat-ready force.”
Hague also emphasized the importance of teamwork. “The three best athletes in the room are not going to be the ones that win. It’s going to be those who work best together.”
Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna said Guardian Arena reflected the Chief of Space Operations’ intent to build a competition tailored to the demands placed on Guardians.
“Guardian Arena isn’t just a competition; it’s an investment in our readiness. This event pushes Guardians to their limits, honing the physical, mental, and tactical skills essential for defending our nation’s interests in space,” Bentivegna said. “It forces our teams to innovate, adapt and perform under pressure — qualities that provide a critical advantage in a dynamic and contested environment.”
He added that the event reflects the collaborative character of space operations. “The diverse representation we see here — Guardians, Airmen, Sailors and our international allies — underscores the collaborative spirit that defines space operations. We win together.” Competitors traveled more than 20 kilometers between stations during the round-robin phase, following designated routes and safety procedures provided during the opening briefing. Events were distributed across both Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Space Force Base.
NASA leaders welcomed participants, noting the longstanding partnership between NASA and national security space organizations. The competition took place in areas central to U.S. launch operations, mission support and spaceflight history.
Col. Brian Chatman, Space Launch Delta 45 commander, said the Guardian Arena Finals showcased the discipline, preparation and teamwork that define the force.
“The Guardian Arena Finals at SLD 45 showcased not only meticulous planning and our core values of commitment and connection, but also the unwavering preparation and readiness of our Guardians,” Chatman said. “These teams, representing their units with pride, demonstrated remarkable grit and resolve throughout the demanding competition. Their synchronized efforts highlighted the power of teamwork in overcoming challenges and underscored the high standards of excellence within the USSF.”
Chatman added that the event reflects the qualities the service depends on. “Guardian Arena stands apart as a unique challenge, demanding the best the USSF has to offer,” he said. “Every competitor showcased that teamwork builds better mission execution, lethality and esprit de corps. By leveraging each member’s strengths and fostering resilience, these Guardians will return to their units prepared to elevate our collective lethality and solidify the USSF’s position in the space domain.”
Participants said the arena offered an opportunity to push themselves and highlight the support of their units and communities.
“Our success was a team effort — from the workouts and study sessions to the Vandenberg leadership and family cheering us on,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Duane Smith, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician. “This event has shown me how much of a blessing it is to be a part of the Vandenberg community.”
U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Kevin Murray, 2d Space Launch Squadron chief of innovation, said the training leading into the event made a significant difference.
“I cannot express enough gratitude for the unwavering support and preparation we’ve received from our coaches and the Vandenberg Guardian Resilience Team,” Murray said. “Their guidance has strengthened our foundation, sharpened our focus and ensured we’re ready to take on every challenge that comes our way.
By Staff Sgt. Emmeline James
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs