A visit from the AFSPC commander

Jane-Marie Kopycinski, R.P. Lee Youth Center director of youth programs, talks with Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, about the changes the youth center underwent after his time as the 21st Space Wing commander during the general’s visit March 28. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roberta McDonald)

A visit from the AFSPC commander

Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, meets Staff Sgt. Brooks Jones, 21st Security Forces Squadron dog handler, before the commander’s call March 28. Sergeant Jones was awarded the Air Force Combat Action medal by General Kehler during the commander’s call. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roberta McDonald)

Space mission will only become more important, says AFSPC commander

Published April 1, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In order to properly protect America, the Air Force must continue to develop its space capabilities in the years to come, said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command.

Visiting the 21st Space Wing March 27 and 28, General Kehler stressed the importance of addressing vulnerabilities on the ground, in space and in the processes that link the two together. Citing incidents such as China's January 2007 anti-satellite test, General Kehler said AFSPC's mission is, and will continue to be, vital to national security.

"No question about it, space is now a contested environment," he said. "In a future confrontation we need to be prepared. We must assure that the warfighters have the space capabilities that they need."

Warfighting aside, protecting our space assets is also important to maintaining many services modern Americans have come to depend on.

General Kehler said people rely on the everyday utilities Air Force satellites provide, such as global positioning systems and the technology that makes ATMs work. Those services would shut down if the Air Force didn't constantly work to protect its space assets and stay ahead of the enemy, he said.

"Our satellites are critical to America's security, our economic well-being, our scientific discoveries," he said. "If the enemy were to take that away, the effect would be like a reverse time machine."

But AFSPC's missions couldn't be completed without the command's hardworking Airmen, and it's important to ensure that they're getting the leadership, training and resources they need, General Kehler said. After stopping by several of the 21st SW's units, General Kehler said he was confident the wing is doing just that.

"The hardware doesn't perform the mission," he said. "The people do, so it's important that our Airmen are well-equipped, well-trained and well-led. I saw that in evidence everywhere while visiting the 21st SW. I'm very, very proud of all of the men and women here."