U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S)

The future of space operations depends on collaboration and communication. Through the Commercial Integration Cell, the U.S. Space Force is working alongside commercial partners like SpaceX to enhance space safety, sharing critical data and fostering responsible space practices. This partnership ensures transparency, trust, and sustainable space operations. Read more about how open communication is key to a safer space environment: https://lnkd.in/eMgUGX7b

The State of Vandenberg is an annual event held here on Vandenberg Space Force Base in cooperation with the Santa Maria Valley and Lompoc Valley Chambers of Commerce to keep community members informed of the installations mission and get status updates directly from key base tenant units' leadership. Our Commander, Lt. Gen. Schiess along with our Del 5 Commander and CSpOC Director, Col. Justin Sorice spoke to community leaders and members to provide key updates on our mission, priorities, accomplishments and way forward. We are grateful to the Vandenberg Space Force Base Space Launch Delta 30 Commander, Col. Mark Shoemaker and the rest of the Space Launch Delta 30 team for providing S4S leadership a chance to connect with our local community. The Central Coast California community support is vital to our mission success and we could not carry out the important work we do without it . https://lnkd.in/ei-BPvyw

Last week, Lt. Gen. Schiess joined Space Operations Command and Missile Defense Agency leadership on a missile defense panel at the Air and Space Forces Symposium in Aurora, Colo., to discuss the future of missile defense in a rapidly changing threat landscape The security of our nation depends on a proactive and evolving approach to missile defense. S4S and the entire Space Force is committed to doing everything in our power to ensure we remain ready to meet these challenges head-on. The threats are real, they're changing constantly, and we can't afford to wait. That's why your Guardians are working tirelessly alongside our Air Force and joint partners to build the most responsive and resilient missile defense network on the planet. We're training for any scenario, leveraging data, refining tactics and techniques, and sending a clear message to the world: Today is NOT the day to test the U.S. Space Force. To read the full story, click here: https://lnkd.in/e27Tu35N

Lt. Gen. Schiess spoke at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, March 4 about the important role commercial partnerships play in the Space Force?to provide real-time and near real-time information flow for a rapid, informed response to space events and to improve Space Domain Awareness. S4S has invited Commercial Mission Partners who are a part of our Commercial Integration Cell to be a part of our weekly O&I meetings, we’ve included them in our Joint Space Operations Plan, and these partners have a seat on our Combined Space Operations Center floor where they can provide and receive real-time data that helps us protect our assets and deliver combat relevant space effects. Through the Commercial Integration Office, S4S ensures proper and timely integration of commercial space solutions into its day-to-day operations, supporting a range of mission areas. This includes incorporating the commercial sector in wargames, exercises, and training. #AlliesandPartners #AFAColorado #USSpaceForce #AFAWarfareSymposium

Today our Commander Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess was a guest on the Doolittle Leadership in Action podcast while at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora. Colo., hosted by his friend and Air Force Veteran Dr. Patrick Donley. During their discussion, Lt. Gen. Schiess spoke about the best advice he ever received while a young LT, the importance of developing confidence as a leader, how to find and be a good mentor, giving and receiving constructive feedback and how to develop the next level of leaders. Through his stories of success and errors, Lt. Gen Schiess hopes to inspire the next generation of Guardian leaders.

Brig. Gen. Frank R. Kincaid, USAF, Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S) (left), UK Space Command Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, Deputy Commander United Kingdom Space Command, UK Space Command Command Warrant Officer Caroline Cooper, and US Air Force SMSgt Brian Edwards-Turner, S4S headquarters staff senior enlisted leader, pose for a photo during Thompson’s visit to Space Forces - Space (S4S). During his visit, Air Commodore Thompson received an S4S mission brief, toured the Operations Floor, and visited various sites at Vandenberg Space Force Base, including Space Launch Complex-2. #AlliesandPartners

Last week, S4S conducted Zulu Kepler 25, the second iteration of its Tier 2 exercise designed to refine operational employment concepts and strengthen integration. This iteration expanded beyond S4S subordinate commands, incorporating Multinational Forces-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD) partners. Over four days, teams assessed command and control structures, validated tactics, and reinforced communication pathways—all critical to ensuring readiness. https://lnkd.in/gWigpfY8 #ProtectDefendDeliverConnect

S4S had the privilege of welcoming Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth to discuss the critical PROTECT, DEFEND, DELIVER, and CONNECT missions S4S provides to our Nation each day. During the visit, Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess and Chief Tina R. Timmerman proudly distinguished two of S4S’s outstanding performers. Congratulations?to United States Space Force 2nd Lt. Erica Sisouphanthong and United States Space Force Maj. Christopher Barton for their recognition by Mr. Ashworth. Thank you for your dedication to the team! #SemperSupra

Last week, S4S leadership participated in U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Theatre Space Forum and met with the Guardians and Airmen operating in U.S. Space Forces – Central and U.S. Space Forces in Europe – Space Forces Africa AORs. ? The deployed professionals at the 42nd and 162nd?Electronic Warfare Combat Detachments and 5th?Space Warning Squadron Detachment 2’s Joint Tactical Ground Station, perform critical space operations activities for SPACECENT's area of responsibility to include deterring threats to space assets by way of defensive cyber operations; protecting critical satellite communication links from electromagnetic interference threats; providing real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches; and receiving, processing, and disseminating direct downlinked infrared data from overhead sensors.? ? Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess and Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman also visited SPACEFOREUR-AF—the United States Space Force service component under U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) — at their headquarters located on Ramstein Air Base. In conjunction with this visit, S4S leadership also witnessed the support from the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) located at Wiesbaden, Germany, a headquarters dedicated to providing long-term, focused organizational structure to coordinate and oversee the full-spectrum of security assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. ? These professionals provide invaluable efforts to U.S. Space Command and their respective Combatant Commands to PROTECT, DEFEND, DELIVER and CONNECT the Warfighter down range. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gpE4kAEn #ProtectDefendDeliverConnect

After over two decades of service in the United States Marine Corps, including nine deployments and numerous leadership roles, Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Ret.) Thomas J. Heaton faced a new chapter—one of companionship and healing. Through his connection with Warriors Choice Foundation, Inc., Heaton was matched with Colt, a service dog that has become an essential part of his post-service journey. Heaton and Colt are assigned to the National Space Defense Center, at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., where Heaton supports the protect and defend mission as a counterintelligence analyst. Read more: https://lnkd.in/db5gVWv3