The newest branch of the U.S. military is celebrating its fourth anniversary today. The U.S. Space Force, officially established by President Trump in 2019, was created to address the increasing importance of space, not only as a domain of national security, but everyday life.
The branch is a part of the Department of the Air Force and has roughly 8,600 uniformed members that are known as “Guardians.” It is expected to grow significantly over the next year with a requested 2024 budget of $30 billion as individuals in the army, navy, air force, and marines transfer into the service.
The Space Force specializes in operating missile detection networks and a set of satellites known as the Geographic Positioning System constellation. The organization also protects as many as 6,718 active satellites.
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The genesis of the Space Force can be traced back to the early days of the Cold War. Space was quickly recognized as a crucial domain for national security, leading to the creation of interstellar military units. The United States Air Force (USAF) was primarily responsible for military operations in space, including the launch of satellites and other space-based technology crucial for communication, navigation, and surveillance.
Today, Space Force is marking its fourth official anniversary guarding space.
Happy birthday to us! 🎂
Many aspects of life –including intelligence, surveillance, missile detection, GPS, digital mapping & weather surveys– rely on satellites that #Guardians ensure work properly. We couldn't have done it without you. #SemperSupra #SpaceForceBirthday pic.twitter.com/8KrdSbFFRz
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) December 20, 2023
U.S. Rep Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) marked the occasion across his district, which includes Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal, and an expansive manufacturing base that has supported American defense for over half a century.
Happy fourth birthday to the United States Space Force. Semper Supra! pic.twitter.com/cLNvlyoDUL
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) December 20, 2023
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth also took to social media recognizing the occasion, while emphasizing the mission-driven need for Space Command to be located to Alabama.
President Trump created Space Force four years ago today to defend the U.S. where the wars of tomorrow will be fought. Alabama plays a critical role in ensuring we operate from a position of strength, and Space Command belongs in Huntsville, not in Biden’s choice of Colorado. pic.twitter.com/oBGkif3fvK
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) December 20, 2023
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) also underscored that note across the state from the Rocket City.
Happy 4th Birthday @SpaceForceDoD
Thank you for securing our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space.
Alabama plays a vital role for our country's strength, and Space Command should be in Huntsville, not in Colorado. #SemperSupra pic.twitter.com/WCcmLrZO5p
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) December 20, 2023
The U.S. Space Force operates six Space Force bases, two of which host orbital launches for the its satellites and spacecraft. They include:
- Buckley Space Force Base-Aurora, Colorado
- Los Angeles Air Force Base-El Segundo, California
- Patrick Space Force Base-near Satellite Beach, Florida
- Peterson Space Force Base-Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Schriever Space Force Base-Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Vandenberg Space Force Base-Lompoc, California
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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