WASHINGTON — U.S. Space Command Commander General John W. "Jay" Raymond announced Friday one of his official directives that will establish two subordinate commands set to jointly provide support for the new Unified Combatant Command, according to a press release.
Combined Force Space Component Command and Joint Task Force Space Defense will focus on the planning and execution of global space operations, activites and mission in two different areas. The first will focus on the protection and defense from threats to U.S. space capablities and forces.
The second area will concentrate on maintaining and growing American security programs, combat-relevant space capabilities and space cadre talent to increase warfighter lethality.
“To ensure USSPACECOM can conduct its mission decisively, I am establishing two subordinate commands with distinct and defined mission areas to ensure the command is postured to protect and defend, while also increasing joint warfighter lethality and strengthening partnerships,” Raymond said. “The establishment of the Department of Defense’s 11th COCOM dedicated to space operations reflects the value of space contributions to national security, the evolution of the threats to U.S. space systems, and the importance of deterring potential adversaries from challenging or attacking U.S. space systems. These subordinate commands will have a direct impact on that mission.”
Brigadier General Thomas L. James will command the JTF-SD from various operations centers including the Schriever Air Force Base while Maj. Gen. Stephen Whiting will command the CFSCC from several locations including at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and Buckley AFB.
