Space Force Establishes Operations Command
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Space Force recently launched its Space Operations Command, according to Air Force Magazine.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting was introduced as the head of the operations command during a ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Oct. 21, according to AFM. For the past three years, Whiting has worked alongside USSF and its predecessor, the United States Air Force Space Command.
During the event, Whiting laid out his top priorities as head of SpOC. Preparing combat-ready and cyber-secure forces with intelligence data that promotes “healthy workforce culture” was the first priority Whiting mentioned.
In addition, the Space Force plans to team SpOC with other parts of the branch, the U.S. Space Command, the federal government and private companies, Whiting said at the event. Instituting “tech-savvy military power” both to and from space is another top priority.
SpOC is one of three Space Force field commands, according to AFM. These organizations mirror the Air Force’s Air Combat Command in format.
The force’s SpOC will manage personnel, hardware and software of the Space Command, according to AFM. The command, headed by Army Gen. James Dickinson, utilizes warfighting power through units domestically and abroad.
Whiting will replace Maj. Gen. John Shaw, who is slated to become the Space Command’s three-star deputy commander, according to AFM. Shaw awaits a Senate confirmation to his new post.