EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Space Systems Command (SSC) welcomed Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink to its Los Angeles Air Force Base headquarters on May 14, 2026 for a day-long visit that included mission briefings, performance recognition, and inspirational discussion with early career personnel.
Meink was greeted by USSF Lt. Gen. Phillip Garrant, commander of Space Systems Command along with members of SSC’s senior leadership team including Ms. Natalie Riedel, executive director; USSF Col. Andrew Menschner, deputy commander; USSF CMSgt. Jackie Sauvé, senior enlisted leader; and USAF Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, mobilization assistant to SSC’s commander.
After a command overview, the group was joined by SSC program executive officers and
acting portfolio acquisition officers for a variety of mission and program briefings.
Then, before heading to a luncheon with early career Guardians and Airmen, Meink recognized two of SSC’s recent top performers, Lt. Jennifer Leo and Mr. Michael Fenner, presenting each with a special commemorative challenge coin. The visit rounded out with a series of meetings with local aerospace companies who contract with Space Systems Command to provide national defense capabilities to the U.S. Space Force.
As the Department’s senior leader, Secretary Meink oversees an annual budget exceeding $200 billion, provides Air and Space forces to combatant commanders in support of global military operations, and is accountable for the welfare of nearly 680,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen and Guardians and their families.