Gen. B. Chance Saltzman Cites Space Force Achievements in Inaugural Spacepower Conference

Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the U.S. Space Force’s chief of space operations, cited during the opening of the inaugural Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference on Tuesday the service’s accomplishments in 2023 and the Guardians’ role in each of them.

Saltzman, a Wash 100 winner and a speaker in a past Potomac Officers Club event, named the new units that the Guardians have established to continue strengthening the Space Force’s warfighting capabilities amid rising global threats. In 2023, the service brought online nine new units to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities, consolidate missile warning missions and strengthen space domain protection.

According to Saltzman, the Guardians not only set up new units but also “built new partnerships and missions in the process,” the Space Force said. 

He also complimented the Guardians’ rapid response capability as seen in the Victus Nox mission launched from storage to operational orbit in five days.

Global expansion is another Space Force achievement in 2023, with the activation of the Space Forces Europe and Africa on Friday, following the organization of a new command, the U.S. Space Forces-Space on Dec. 6. Saltzman said the “Guardians have a long history supporting those theaters,” and the new Space Force arm overseas marks the official start of the support relationships.