Command will change, but mission must continue, Santee says Published June 15, 2007 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Though he'll be leaving in a couple of weeks, Col. Jay G. Santee, 21st Space Wing commander, would like everyone to continue the work that started while he was here. Giving his final commander's call June 12, Colonel Santee highlighted the advancements made on base over the last few years. During this time Peterson has modernized to provide enhanced space superiority and improve installation support and protection in a post-Cold War age. But he also warned that more work needs to be done in order to keep up with advancing threats and maintain the wing's vision of "Strength and Preparedness to Save the Nation." "You've been making all these positive changes," he told the audience gathered in the base auditorium. "But that doesn't mean there won't be future challenges when I leave." Since taking command in August 2004, Colonel Santee, who is leaving to become vice commander for the 14th Air Force at Vandenberg AFB in California, has overseen several initiatives aimed at modernizing the base and the 21st Space Wing's mission. Infrastructure improvements, such as the new base exchange and commissary at Pete East and the $2.5 million renovation of the aquatics center, have gotten underway. And the 16th Space Control Squadron has been created to help lead counterspace missions. Peterson's computer security has been modernized, most noticeably with the addition of common access card systems, which control access to base computers. And his BluePrint-2050 initiative aims to improve base security, access and infrastructure by increasing boundaries around the base. All of the changes have brought the 21st Space Wing numerous awards - four from the Department of Defense, 28 from the Air Force and 287 from Air Force Space Command in the last year alone - but Colonel Santee said more needs to be done. "The people who wish to do us harm continue to get more innovative, so you're going to have to be innovative," he said. "You're going to have to push yourselves in ways you're not used to doing." The 21st Space Wing will have to continue to work to overcome threats from terrorists, cyber warfare and, increasingly, China, Colonel Santee said. Internal challenges, such as decreased funding and manpower cuts, also make building strength and preparedness more difficult. But he said he believes Peterson and the 21st Space Wing are up for the challenge. "Every one of you, in your own way, is doing magnificent things to contribute to our national defense," he said. "It's really been amazing to watch everyone rise to the occasion while these changes have been going on, and I have no doubt that will continue long after I'm gone."