SSC stands up, Guetlein takes command

Published Aug. 13, 2021
By Staff Sgt. Elijah Jackson

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- Members of U.S. Air and Space Force leadership, community and industry partners, and Airmen and Guardians gathered to celebrate the establishment of Space Systems Command (SSC), the second of three field commands for the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Aug. 13.

SSC is responsible for developing, acquiring and fielding lethal and resilient space capabilities for warfighters.

Additionally, SSC will be responsible for launch, developmental testing, and on-orbit checkout, sustainment, and maintenance of USSF space systems as well as oversight of USSF science and technology activities. Acquisition and development offices assigned to SMC, the Commercial Satellite Communications Office, and the 30th and 45th Space launch missions will form the building blocks of the new command.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond presided over the ceremony and expressed his excitement for this next chapter in space history.

“As we unfurl the Space Systems Command flag and begin a new chapter in space history, let’s reflect on the parallels between past and present,” Raymond said. “The great team here at SMC has already been changing the culture and moving faster, so I know SSC will rise to the challenge and continue this trend.”

“Today, as we create Space Systems Command, we do so to provide our nation an advantage,” he stated. “We continue our path to flatten bureaucracy, to delegate more authority to our leaders, strengthen our ability to work with both our international and commercial partners as we drive unity of effort inside the U.S. Space Force and across the broader Department of Defense.”

Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, who received his third star prior to the redesignation ceremony, will serve as the first-ever commander of the U.S. Space Force field command.

Guetlein previously served as Deputy Director for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), where he assisted in managing the strategic and tactical operations of the NRO, and, as commander of the Space Force Element, managed all Air Force personnel and resources assigned to that agency.

Addressing the men and women of SSC for the first time, Guetlein shared his vision for the future of space acquisition.

“Space Systems Command is about continuing the culture shift away from being service providers to being warfighters and defending our way of life from, through, and in space.” Guetlein said. “In 10 years, warfighting as we know it will have changed drastically and we must be postured and empowered to keep pace with this change. We cannot let this be a nameplate change from SMC to SSC. We must be bold, and we must get after the threat. It is up to Space Systems Command to counter the rising threat with game changing capabilities."

Noting that the U.S. Space Force is the youngest and smallest service across the Department of Defense, Guetlein emphasized the critical role SSC will play across the space enterprise.

“I am honored and humbled to be charged with the responsibility of leading Space Systems Command at this exciting time.” Guetlein continued. “I know just how much this team and this Nation are capable of, and I know we have only scratched the surface of our potential.”

For more information on SSC, visit our new website here.