EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- USSF Col. Ryan Rose assumed command of System Delta 88, the Space Systems Command (SSC) unit responsible for satellite communications, during a change of command ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base, June 26.
Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, Space Systems Command commander, presided over the ceremony, which marked the unit’s first change of command since its activation in September 2025. As part of a time-honored tradition symbolizing the formal transfer of authority, Garrant facilitated the passing of the guidon from the outgoing commander, USSF Col. A.J. Ashby, to Rose.
In her new role, Rose leads System Delta 88’s military and civilian space-minded warfighters and acquisition professionals. She is responsible for the innovation, acquisition, and deployment of commercial satellite communications solutions, and the nation’s $57 billion portfolio of narrowband, wideband, protected tactical, and strategic satellite communications weapon systems programs.
A seasoned acquisition leader, Rose brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served multiple tours within the former Space and Missile Systems Center and held various roles at Space Systems Command.
Since 2025, she has been serving as -- and will remain -- the system program director for System Delta 88’s Strategic Satellite Communications Division, overseeing a $23 billion portfolio that includes the Evolved Strategic SATCOM and Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization programs. With her new position, Rose will be dual-hatted as both the System Delta commander and system program director.
Addressing System Delta 88 for the first time as commander, Rose challenged her team to continue their momentum and remain laser-focused on the mission.
“As we realign and evolve as an organization, we must also continue to execute and deliver capabilities that warfighters rely on every day,” Rose said. “We must stay focused on the mission.”
In his outgoing speech, Ashby reflected on the unique warfighting culture the unit built during his tenure.
“There has never been a better time to be a warfighting acquisition professional,” Ashby said. “Just as we recognize space as a warfighting domain, we must now also recognize acquisition as a warfighting function.”
Ashby, who will go on to serve as director of capability delivery in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, had led System Delta 88 since its activation. Under his leadership, the unit received the 2025 David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for delivering a critical nuclear command, control, and communications capability two years ahead of schedule. It was the largest source selection in Space Force history across a $23 billion portfolio.
System Delta 88 is the Space Systems Command acquisition unit responsible for synchronizing acquisition efforts for satellite communications and integration with Combat Forces Command’s Mission Delta 8. Under the purview of the Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing, the unit delivers satellites, ground control segments, data systems, and software capabilities for asymmetric, all-domain satellite communications superiority.
“As we begin this new chapter, I ask each member of the ‘Great 88’ to continue bringing your best and the Wolfpack mentality every day,” Rose said. “By working together, supporting one another, and remaining committed to our mission and the Space Force values, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”