PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Perched 690 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Pituffik Space Base is an isolated, frozen military installation where personnel live in months of relentless darkness alternating with unending midnight sun. As the Department of War’s northernmost base, Pituffik stands guard at the edge of the world. It serves as a critical node in a layered defense network, providing continuous missile warning, space domain awareness, and satellite command and control. Through these 24/7 operations, the installation ensures space superiority and enables force projection to secure the polar approaches to North America alongside international partners.
At the helm of this installation is its commanding officer, U.S. Space Force Col. Shawn Lee. Lee took command in April 2025, where he stepped into one of the most demanding leadership roles in the military.
Taking command of an installation as isolated as Pituffik requires a leader who understands the different challenges that come with the role. Fortunately, Lee was uniquely prepared for the assignment, having previously served as the commander of the 13th Space Warning Squadron at Clear Air Force Station (now Clear Space Force Station) in the interior of Alaska.
Operating in such harsh conditions has its challenges. Since taking command, Lee has navigated not only the physical hardships of the Arctic but also the complex logistics and human connections that define life at the "Top of the World."
“Operation BLUE JAY began in the summer of 1951 and built the core of the base in a single summer. This year we are celebrating our 75th anniversary of that momentous event and the continued operations at the Top of the World...but the arctic is a harsh environment,” said Lee. “Maintaining present day structures requires additional care of the arctic foundations. We are in a constant battle with Mother Nature to ensure our mission is not interrupted and facilities are maintained to survive extreme cold, high winds, and even floods.”
Because of its extreme isolation, the base relies entirely on highly choreographed logistics. The most critical component is the annual seaport resupply, known as Operation Pacer Goose.
“Planning, coordination, and having an awesome team is key to logistics,” said Lee. “The annual resupply is closely choreographed with requirements planned far in advance. The planning window for sealift begins a year prior and must account for all upcoming projects in the future fiscal years to be included in shipping requirements.”
This massive undertaking requires seamless international and interagency cooperation. Under Lee's command, the logistics team has worked together with the Military Sealift Command, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the base maintenance contractor to execute the tight three-month delivery window successfully.
International cooperation is rooted in most day-to-day operations at Pituffik. This strategic partnership was forged during the transition from World War II to the Cold War. Operating under established, cooperative defense agreements with Denmark, the installation has stood for decades as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the U.S.-Danish-Greenlandic security partnership.
Honoring this partnership is a daily priority. Lee notes that fostering the unified spirit of “Team Pituffik” begins the moment personnel step off the plane.
“We emphasize our shared mission as soon as people arrive,” said Lee. “Leadership is on the flightline to welcome newly arriving members; even in the dark and cold winter months, we are outside to welcome everyone.”
The installation houses a diverse population of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, Danish military, and Canadian military personnel, alongside American, Danish and Greenlandic civilian contractors. Under Lee’s guidance, fostering a unified culture has been a top priority.
"Being at a remote location with limited flights to or from the base, it is important to emphasize that we rely on each other," Lee said. "We all eat at the same dining facility, go to the same gym, and enjoy time together at the same community center."
Of all the milestones during his command, Lee is perhaps most proud of the deep connections forged with local Greenlandic communities.
In the summer of 2025, Lee opened the base to seven elders of the nearby Avannaata Community. For these elders, it was their first time returning to their birthplace and the resting place of many of their relatives in more than 70 years.
"We anticipated hosting 50 or 60 members," Lee recalled. "As luck would have it, the weather was exceptional, and we ended up hosting over 90 village members for a few days."
The historic visit stood as a powerful testament to the base's commitment to a shared history with those who call Greenland home.
As Lee prepares to step down from command this week, his time at the Top of the World has permanently shaped his understanding of military readiness.
"Readiness means something different to all of us," said Lee. "Whether it’s Arctic survival readiness, medical readiness, or family readiness, the men and women of the Space Force and Air Force are prepared. Our Guardians and Airmen get it, from the most junior to the most senior."
Reflecting on his impending retirement, Lee described the Arctic command as a fitting end to a long military career.
“This tour has been the privilege of a lifetime and such a wonderful capstone to my career. Leading Guardians and Airmen is the most rewarding thing I’ve had the honor of doing,” said Lee. “They say if you love what you do, you’ll never actually work a day in your life. I’m proud to say that I’ve loved every minute of serving the people of Pituffik Space Base. The ability to round out my military service at the Top of the World is the highlight of my career.”
As Lee nears the end of his time at Pituffik SB, he leaves behind an installation structurally equipped to weather the relentless environment and a community bound together by mutual reliance.
To learn more about Pituffik Space Base, please visit: https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/pituffik-sb-greenland/