USSPACECOM chief credits team for command’s success

U.S. Space Command chief Gen. Stephen Whiting opened the 41st Space Symposium on April 14 by casting the command’s current priorities as an evolution of the United States’ 250-year military tradition, using the 1781 siege of Yorktown to frame how USSPACECOM thinks about operations, partnerships and readiness.

“That victory wasn’t just about courage on the battlefield, it was also about unity of effort, trust between partners, and the integration of capabilities – principles that remain at the core of how we operate today at U.S. Space Command,” Whiting said. He added: “In 1781, control of the Chesapeake shaped the outcome at Yorktown. Today, space shapes the outcome of every global operation.”

Whiting underscored a year-long push he has designated the “Year of Integration,” highlighting momentum with allies and the commercial space sector. USSPACECOM recently completed the first “Campaigning with Commercial Partners” tabletop series, including the inaugural Apollo Insight wargame in March, where senior leaders from more than 60 companies discussed potential impacts of weapons of mass destruction in space and collective measures to prevent such scenarios. “These partnerships are not symbolic … they accelerate innovation, expand warfighting capacity, and increase operational tempo that government alone cannot achieve,” Whiting said, crediting Cmdr. Heather Thomas for leading the effort “with vision and innovation.”

Calling maneuver warfare in space essential to deterrence and readiness—particularly as China demonstrates orbital refueling and logistics—Whiting pressed for capabilities that enable satellites to operate dynamically. “In space, we must perform, survive, and gain positional advantage. We want innovation that gives us maneuverability, endurability and survivability – because maneuver warfare demands rapid, focused and unexpected actions that shatter the enemy’s cohesion. A satellite which is locked in a predictable orbit is fighting from a fixed position, and it’s a target.” He cited work by Dr. Nick Martin and Lt. Col. Marshall Tillis to test these concepts with service components and allies through wargames, simulations and modeling, using the Capabilities, Analysis and Verification Environment lab to visualize future maneuver strategies.

On allied integration, Whiting pointed to Operation Olympic Defender, USSPACECOM’s multinational framework with Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, noting three on-orbit missions executed with France and the U.K. since 2024. He announced a new effort that brought all seven partners together: Operation Selene, led by Canada and coordinated by Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Col. Joey Baker with 3 Canadian Space Division. Whiting called it the “most focused, combined space domain awareness operation to date.” He added: “Participating nations synchronized multi-domain effects across eight C2 centers, across all of our nations. Operation Selene pushed the limits of space surveillance systems while improving our ability to identify, attribute and respond to our opponents’ behaviors on orbit. In fact, Operation Selene was so successful that I’m proud to announce we are now making it an enduring operation for MNF-OOD, further strengthening collective deterrence and defense in the space area of responsibility.”

Whiting also highlighted the human capital behind high-profile missions, recognizing Master Sgt. Oviel Mariscal Acosta of First Air Force, Detachment 3, for ensuring medical readiness for the planned recovery of the Artemis II crew and delivering life-saving equipment during Crew-11’s early return from the International Space Station in January. “His impact was on full display during Artemis II, and operations like that demand flawless medical readiness – something OV ensures through preparation and contingency planning. His work keeps us ready to protect and recover astronauts as we push further into space.”

The commander said USSPACECOM continues supporting U.S. Central Command through Operation Epic Fury, even as the headquarters executes a mission-focused transition to its new home in Huntsville, Alabama. He praised Lynne Wanderscheid for spearheading the move as the command’s on-site lead at Redstone Arsenal following the president’s 2025 decision. “Lynne, thank you. You didn’t just identify the problem – you became the solution by embedding yourself at Redstone,” Whiting said. “Today, Lynne leads the planning, design and construction of the Command-and-Control Facility – the future platform for our critical mission execution.”

Whiting closed by honoring Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s 1st Space Brigade, who died while supporting Operation Epic Fury. “He is not here today to stand among us, and yet his courage and dedication is impossible to overlook. Staff Sgt. Pennington’s sacrifice reminds us that every capability we hold in space is operated by heroes willing to give everything.” He added, “At 250 years, America advances with confidence and U.S. Space Command secures the final frontier for the next generation. We honor those who came before us, we stand on the shoulders of heroes like Staff Sgt. Pennington, and we continue forward – ever vigilant, ever ready, and ever committed to peace through strength.”