Gen. Douglas A. Schiess was formally installed Sept. 3 as chief of space operations, becoming the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the U.S. Space Force and the third person to hold the post since the service was created.
Schiess succeeded Gen. Chance Saltzman during a change-of-responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., following his Senate confirmation in August.
He takes command of a force of more than 15,000 uniformed and civilian personnel at a time when the military is placing increasing emphasis on space as a contested domain tied to communications, intelligence, missile warning and broader national security.
Schiess said his priorities will include improving combat readiness, strengthening the resilience of U.S. space capabilities and expanding the options the Space Force can provide to the president, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military commanders.
He also warned that potential adversaries are continuing to develop capabilities intended to disrupt or destroy U.S. space systems, while emphasizing that the Space Force’s goal is deterrence rather than confrontation.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, who presided over the ceremony, said Schiess is taking over during a period of rapidly changing technology and growing competition in space. Meink said the service must adapt quickly while ensuring it maintains what military leaders describe as space superiority.
Schiess credited previous Space Force leaders with building the foundation of the young military branch and said his focus will be on ensuring Guardians are prepared, capabilities remain resilient and partnerships continue to grow.
Saltzman, who is retiring after more than three decades of military service, reflected on his four years as chief of space operations and the development of the Space Force into an organization focused on protecting U.S. interests in space.
Schiess now assumes responsibility for guiding the service through its next phase of growth as space becomes an increasingly important part of U.S. military planning and operations.