PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —
In a ceremony held at Peterson Space Force Base, Nov. 3, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzmanofficially redesignated Space Operations Command as United States Space Force Combat Forces Command, marking a significant shift in the command’s focus toward enhanced combat readiness and integrated space defense.
Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon assumed command of the newly renamed CFC, succeeding Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., the SpOC commander.
The redesignation reflects the command’s commitment to aligning with its core purpose of forging combat-ready Space Forces for America and its allies, and with the evolution of the United States Space Force as a warfighting service.
“As we continue to evolve into the warfighting service that the joint force and the nation demands, Combat Forces Command stands ready to generate and present combat-ready units of action, providing combat-credible space solutions to the joint force’s toughest operational problems,” Saltzman said.
The change builds upon the Space Force’s strategic vision for deterring aggression, fighting and winning in the space domain. CFC is responsible for generating and presenting combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces.
During the ceremony, Miller and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Rozneck, CFC senior enlisted leader, furled the former SpOC command flag, symbolizing the inactivation of SpOC and transference of its legacy to CFC. Later in the ceremony, Gagnon and Rozneck unfurled the CFC command flag for the first time.
“Our power is our people. You are our most important weapon system in Combat Forces Command,” said Gagnon in his first address to the Guardians and Airmen of CFC. “You are, in fact, power. Space power.”
CFC will focus on generating and presenting combat-ready units of action, maturing the Space Force generation model, strengthening Mission Deltas, and elevating combat-focused training and qualifications across the force. It will empower leaders at every level and integrate multiple mission sets into cohesive combat squadrons, while treating installations as warfighting platforms.
The command’s vision is for America’s Space Warfighters to be “Always Ready, Always Innovative, Always Above.”
“In this command, we believe in the mission, and we believe in each other,” Miller said. In his parting words, Miller expressed his confidence that Gagnon would take the command to greater heights.
Saltzman and Gagnon both acknowledged the heritage of the organizations that came before CFC. The command has a long history, beginning in its early days as Air Force Space Command and later becoming SpOC in October 2020. CFC comprises approximately 12,000 Guardians, Airmen and civilian personnel across 11 Deltas, 82 squadrons and 25 units of action.
The redesignation comes shortly before the sixth anniversary of the Space Force, which will occur in December 2025.
The ceremony concluded with a pass in review, during which members of CFC’s Deltas marched, demonstrating teamwork and unity.
Gagnon closed his remarks with, “Chapter Two begins like this: although protect and defend is necessary, it is insufficient to win in war. We must protect, defend and attack — Combat Forces Command, let’s roll!”
The mission of CFC is to protect America and its allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.
By 1st Lt Laura Anderson
U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command Public Affairs
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