Dec. 2, 2022
Release Number 20221202-2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command activated U.S. Space Forces-Central today at the component’s permanent headquarters located at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
The activation of USSPACEFORCENT is another step for the U.S. Space Force to provide forces to combatant commands, providing combatant commanders with organic space planning and employment expertise. USSPACEFORCENT is responsible for space operations within the CENTCOM area of responsibility including capabilities such as positioning, navigation and timing, satellite communication, missile warnings, and other missions as required.
“Just as the evolution of space as a warfighting domain necessitated the establishment of a separate service, USSPACEFORCENT provides CENTCOM a subordinate command focused solely and continuously on space integration across the command, within all domains and all components,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Christopher Putman, USSPACEFORCENT commander.
Activating this component under CENTCOM provides expert Guardians to work with coalition and regional partners to integrate space activities into shared operations and adds another level of commitment to partners by further strengthening regional stability and security within the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
“Space underpins every element of warfighting in the CENTCOM region,” said CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla. “Today’s ceremony catches us up to the reality of history: since the Cold War, space has ceased to be a sanctuary. It is no longer solely the realm of progress and peace. Space is now a domain of conquest, conflict, and – for us – cooperation.”
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