AUGUST 14, 2026 – Today I have the honor of gathering with family, friends, and colleagues to reflect on over 35 years of service in the Air Force and Space Force, and to offer my gratitude to all who have joined me on that journey to render service to the Nation. Today is not an ending – there is no end in the profession of arms. Rather, it is a natural opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and take stock of all that still lies ahead as we continue to meet the demands of the Nation.
In my first C-note nearly four years ago, I invoked Teddy Roosevelt – it’s not the critic who matters, it’s the ones who try and are willing to fail who have earned the credit of their achievements. Over the last four years, we’ve done just that. Through bold actions and hard work, we’ve met increased mission requirements with expanded capabilities, grown the size of our Guardian ranks, and transformed ourselves into a combat-credible warfighting service.
We’ve also built something that can’t be quantified, but I can certainly feel: our Guardian Spirit. It’s the intellectual curiosity to explore the hardest problems, an unwavering commitment to the Guardians around us, and the willingness to learn and grow through every challenge. Ultimately, through our advanced systems, our new ways of thinking, and our expert Guardians, we’ve proven ourselves in combat – the true test of a military force, and the fundamental reason our service was formed. In doing so, we have earned the respect of our Nation and the world.
My sincere hope as I step into retirement is that we as Guardians simply continue pressing ahead despite the unknowns. There are missions that only Guardians are trained and equipped to do; we must pursue those ruthlessly at the expense of other distractions. When faced with challenges – which will grow more complex every day – we must dare to try, even if our solution isn’t perfect or there are risks involved. Don’t wait for all the answers; take initiative and move forward.
Standing on the Invisible Front Line is demanding and unforgiving. Our missions are often not easily visible to those we serve, but we execute those missions with character and commitment nonetheless, because the Nation demands it and our way of life depends on it. We have proven that Guardians have what it takes to hold that line, and we stand ready to render service to that cause.
Serving as your CSO, and counting myself among the ranks of Guardians, has been the honor of my career. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and I look forward to witnessing all that the Space Force will accomplish in the future. The faces may change, but the Guardian Spirit endures.
Semper Supra!
By Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs