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U.S. Space Command Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary Milestone

In only one year since the activation and stand-up of the Department of Defense’s 11th Combatant Command, U.S. Space Command is celebrating the anniversary milestone by focusing on the myriad of mission accomplishments.

USSPACECOM officially stood up during a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on August 29, 2019, with President Donald Trump; Dr. Mark T. Esper, Secretary of Defense; Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, former USSPACECOM commander and current U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations; and Chief Master Sgt. Roger A. Towberman, USSPACECOM’s former command Senior Enlisted Leader and current USSF CSEL.

General James H. Dickinson

“We have achieved, with warp-speed-like precision, the stand-up of this newest command,” said Gen. James H. Dickinson, USSPACECOM commander. “Only 24 months ago, this concept was a napkin sketch of ideas from a few brilliant warriors, and now we are pulling in Joint Space Warfighters, operating campaign orders, and actively running the protect and defend mission to ensure the continued peaceful use in, from and to space.”

Dickinson assumed command of USSPACECOM from Raymond on August 20 and U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott H. Stalker assumed responsibility as the USSPACECOM CSEL from Towberman on Aug. 28. Raymond and Towberman transitioned from their dual-hatted assignments to focus solely on their USSF roles.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Bernacchi, right, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kiara Kashner, right, representing U.S. Space Command’s longest-serving and junior-serving members, respectively, cut a cake in honor of the combatant command’s first birthday Aug. 28, 2020, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Kashner serves as executive assistant to the commandant and Bernacchi is Strategy, Plans and Policy director.

Persistent and escalating aggression from near-peer and adversarial nations continues to threaten U.S. and Allied space systems. Over the past year, USSPACECOM — in coordination with its allies — is working deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat hostile acts and defend vital interests in the space domain.

“In spite of the dangerous actions perpetrated by adversary nations, we’re leaning forward to protect and defend the peaceful use of space,” Dickinson said. “Campaign orders are being issued and the command is looking toward future efforts that enhance space warfighting capabilities.”

A video celebrating U.S. Space Command’s work during the past year is available for viewing at this direct link…