14th Air Force Commander visits 21st Space Wing

  • Published
  • By Capt. William Russell
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Lt. Gen. David J. Buck, commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command; and commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, U.S. Strategic Command, made his inaugural visit to Peterson Air Force Base since taking command in August 2015.

After visiting several 21st Space Wing organizations, including Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Buck held an all call speaking to a packed auditorium about creating a culture of mutual respect within the Air Force family, and the necessity of maintaining space superiority.

He shared personal experiences from his own career where having good communication and knowing his fellow Airmen, regardless of rank, helped make a bad situation better.

"Trust and communication are important. Who is your wingman? You need to have that environment of communication," Buck said. "You need to get to know other Airmen's stories and get to know each other, and then you can tell when they are a little bit off."

After recognizing a few superior performers in the wing, Buck shifted gears and discussed his commander's intent and focus areas with the audience; specifically highlighting the critical role space personnel play.   
    
He went on to describe how the space domain is not the same as it once was and a change in how it is approached is necessary. He spoke about normalizing the domain, including working on changing the highly specialized jargon, and developing disciplined and robust tactics, techniques, and procedures often used in the area of space situational awareness.

Buck also stressed the importance of operating in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment. "We're going at a snail's pace, and we must enhance our control and control processes while optimizing our current space situational awareness capabilities," he said.

Buck also took some time to discuss the importance of recommitting ourselves to the profession of arms and maintaining a resilient force.

"Space is not a permissive and benign environment anymore. We need to admit it's a contested domain and move on from there," said Buck. "Even though job number one is to support the current fight, we must continue to take care of our people, both professionally and personally; and make sure we use resources wisely while finding better ways to get the job done."

He concluded the commander's call by ensuring everyone had seen a copy of his commander's intent memorandum, taking questions, and wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

"I am honored and humbled to serve as the JFCC SPACE and 14th Air Force commander," said Buck. "Now that everyone knows my intent, I expect you to go fast but I want you to have fun in the process ... Happy Holidays everyone."   

As the commander of 14th AF, the Air Force's sole Numbered Air Force for space, he leads an operational mission that includes space launch from the east and west coasts, satellite command and control, missile warning, space situational awareness, and command and control of assigned and attached joint space forces.

As the commander of JFCC Space, which is the space component of USSTRATCOM, Buck is responsible for executing continuous, integrated space operations to deliver theater and global effects in support of national and combatant commander objectives.

 

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