1AF leadership gets overview of air and space mission sets during visits to Peterson and Buckley Air Force Bases

  • Published
  • By CONR-1AF (AFNORTH) Public Affairs
  • CONR-1AF (AFNORTH)

On March 11, the U.S. Air Force named First Air Force as the air component to U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM). Last week, starting with two visits to bases in Colorado, the 1AF team became actively engaged in learning more about the potential of its new role and expanded responsibilities. 

The first visit included attendance at a USSPACECOM Commanders’ Conference at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., where participants discussed the command’s strategic issues.  The second visit to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., gave 1AF leadership an opportunity to learn about one of the newest Space Force missions, Space Delta 4 (DEL 4).

“I was impressed by the Airmen and Guardians we met in highly technical specialties that are critical to today’s multi-domain environment,” said Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) commander during the visit spanning several days last week.

The general was accompanied by the CONR vice commander, Brig. Gen. William Betts and the command chief master sergeant.

“It was a great visit with the Delta IV senior enlisted leader and the Buckley garrison command chief,” said CONR Command Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin. “It’s where I gain a better understanding on how our people are integrated into the fight.”

DEL 4 operates and supports three constellations of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) satellites and two types of Ground-Based Radars (GBRs) for the purpose of conducting strategic and theater missile warning to the United States and its international partners. 

“We came away from this visit with a better understanding of what Airmen and Guardians are doing to create a more efficient Air and Space Force,” said Betts. “The members of First Air Force look forward to the future and developing alongside this innovative team.”

USSPACECOM is one of the 11 combatant commands of the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for operations in, from and to space for the U.S. in order to deter conflict and deliver space combat power. It was reestablished Aug. 29, 2019 and is responsible for the operational employment of space forces that are provided by the military services. The U.S. Space Force was established Dec, 20, 2019.