Col. Matthew W. Davidson, USAF, has been selected for the grade of brigadier general and assigned as vice commander, 14th Air Force (Air Force Strategic), Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Air Force Space Command
While space has been a contested domain from the beginning—from the first trial of an anti-satellite weapon in 1959—what has changed is the United State’s confidence in being able to deter attacks, according to several officials who testified recently about U.S. space warfare readiness before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services. The space domain is more complex and more is at stake, the experts told Congress.
“"Today’s military commanders are facing serious threats in a space domain that is increasingly congested, contested and competitive," said Gen. Robert Kehler, USAF (Ret.), former commander, U.S. Strategic Command.
Maj. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, USAF, has been assigned as commander, 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Space Coast Launch Services, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, has been awarded an estimated $11,387,859 option modification (P00255) to previously awarded contract for launch operations support. Contractor will provide operations, maintenance and engineering support to critical launch, spacecraft and ordnance facilities and support systems owned by the 45th Space Wing. Work will be performed at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and is expected to be completed March 31, 2018. No funds are being obligated at the time of option exercise modification award. The 45th Contracting Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA2521‐05-C-0008).
Maj. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella Jr., USAF, has been assigned as director of integrated air, space, cyberspace and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Col. Philip A. Garrant, USAF, has been selected to the grade of brigadier general and assigned as vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, USAF, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assigned as commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
Lt. Gen. John W. Raymond, USAF, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of general and assigned as commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Col. Chad P. Franks, USAF, has been selected to the grade of brigadier general and assigned as vice commander, 14th Air Force, Air Forces Strategic, Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Brig. Gen. Bruce H. McClintock, USAF, has been assigned as special assistant to the commander, Air Force Space Command, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Brig. Gen. Mitchel H. Butikofer, USAF, has been assigned as vice commander, 24th Air Force, Air Force Space Command; and commander, Air Forces Cyber, U.S. Cyber Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
Brig. Gen. Trent H. Edwards, commander, USAF, has been assigned as director of financial management and comptroller, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Col. Mark A. Baird, USAF, has been selected for the grade of brigadier general and assigned as vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.
In its enduring space race to narrow the materializing gap between the United States and peer competitors, the Air Force’s fiscal year 2017 budget emphasizes sustaining mission capabilities and improving space resilience by investing in command and control programs, situational awareness technologies, expendable launch systems and satellite communications.
Satellite communications have never been more vital to the security of our nation, or under such assault. Recent increases in aggressive and targeted interference have put the continuous connectivity of government satellite communications in question. As an example, slightly more than a year ago, the Chinese accessed a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data systems for more than 12 hours—imagine how damaging this could have been if they controlled a more critical mission asset.
Maj. Gen. David J. Buck, USAF, has been appointed to the rank of lieutenant general and assigned as commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command; and commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Brig. Gen. Wayne R. Monteith, USAF, has been assigned as commander, 45th Space Wing and director, Eastern Range, Air Force Space Command, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
Maj. Gen. Robert D. McMurry Jr., USAF, has been assigned as vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base.
Lt. Gen. John E. Hyten, USAF, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of general and for assignment as commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
Brig. Gen. Steven D. Garland, USAF, has been assigned as vice commander, 14th Air Force, Air Forces Strategic, Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.