RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —
U.S. Space Command Brigadier General Jacob Middleton became the new commander of U.S. Space Command in Europe, Space Command Africa, during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Officers Club on Tuesday.
U.S. Space Command in Europe – Africa (also known as SPACEFOREUR-AF) is a U.S. Space Force-composed field command tasked with supporting both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, covering 51 European and 53 African nations, respectively.
“We recognize the importance of space to our allies and partners and our national security,” Middleton said. “Over the past year, SPACEFOREUR-AF has built relationships across two continents to expand space situational awareness of events in today's contested space environment. I look forward to engaging with Space Force leaders and combatant commanders, working alongside Airmen and Guardians, and building on these partnerships to tell the next chapter in the U.S. Space Force story.”
Middleton said U.S. Space Force's goal is for field forces such as SPACEFOREUR-AF to build on existing alliances and partnerships to increase interoperability and resilience, enhancing space security and long-term sustainability. The scope of the mission, which spans two continents, and its importance to the balance of international order and the rules that govern the use of space, are key to the SPACEFOREUR-AF mission. U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Chance Saltzman elaborated on this theme during the ceremony.
“The force has the sole responsibility of integrating space forces with two combatant commands and enhancing the security of our nation and its allies from Iceland to South Africa,” Saltzman said at the ceremony. “In just eight months, SPACEFOREUR-AF has established relationships with 15 other space-faring nations, strengthened integration with NATO through automated data flows, and provided training in joint electromagnetic spectrum operations.”
Saltzman noted that Middleton is the right person to lead the rapidly developing SPACEFOREUR-AF and expand relationships with allies and partners, adding that Middleton's experience working for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council and the U.S. Congress will empower us to further strengthen ties and integrate space forces with NATO, allies and other key regional partners across two continents.
“I can confidently say that there are few other positions in Space Force leadership that are more impactful than a service commander, especially one that supports two regions,” Saltzman said. “Elevating the command to the one-star level reaffirms Space Force's commitment to the joint force and our international partners. Services like SPACEFOREUR-AF provide critical connective tissue between space capabilities and the authority of our combatant commanders. I look forward to seeing what Gen. Middleton accomplishes next.”
SPACEFOREUR-AF, which will commence operations from Ramstein Air Base on Dec. 8, 2023, will be responsible for a wide range of space operations, including space situational awareness missions and security cooperation in support of the two combatant commands' objectives.
Colonel Middleton will succeed the original and previous SPACEFOREUR-AF commander, Colonel Max E. Lantz II. Colonel Lantz will be retiring after more than 33 years of active duty service.
