LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Happy Birthday! Space Systems Command and Space Base Delta 3 celebrated the Space Force’s fourth birthday Dec. 15 at Los Angeles Air Force Base.
The U.S. Space Force officially turns four years old on Dec. 20. The sixth branch of the armed forces was established with the enactment of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act.
“We’re celebrating where it all started!” Exclaimed Col. Mia Walsh, commander, SBD 3.
The Western Development Division was created in 1954 to manage the U.S. Air Force ballistic missile program. This first military space organization evolved through the years to eventually become Space Systems Command, with the mission of delivering lethal and resilient space capabilities to defend the nation in the contested space domain.
Walsh provided historical context for the comparison to the other services, adding that the Army, Navy and Marine Corps celebrated their fourth birthdays in 1779, the Coast Guard celebrated its fourth birthday in 1794, and the Air Force celebrated its fourth birthday in 1951.
Present at the event were Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, SSC commander and Ms. Joy White SSC executive director, as well as representatives from industry, local colleges, and many elected officials from the surrounding communities.
Sunny and warm days are often referred to as chamber of commerce weather, so it was appropriate on this beautiful day that civic leaders addressed the audience.
Mayor George Chen presented a City of Torrance Certificate of Recognition to the USSF and SBD 3 commemorating the occasion, and City of Hawthorne Councilmember, Alex Montiero recognized the service of the men and women of the USSF with a formal proclamation.
An invited speaker, Mr. Todd Nygren, vice president of Defense Space Acquisition with The Aerospace Corporation, shared perspectives on national defense partnerships.
The festivities also included a birthday cake with traditional cake cutting by senior ranking members, along with the youngest Guardian and civilian employee on LA AFB.
In keeping with military protocol, the event concluded with the audience singing of Semper Supra, the official song of the USSF.
The Space Force remains focused on warfighting and the serious threats the nation faces in space, while continuing to support an increased operational tempo and growth. Notably, the USSF achieved their active duty enlisted recruiting goals for fiscal 2023.
Reflecting on the anniversary Walsh shared, “I am grateful not only for the outstanding Guardians that make up the Space Force: the transfers from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, who are the backbone of this service, as well as our outstanding civilians and contractor support, but also, and just as importantly, for the great Airmen that support our mission every day.”