Gens. Michael Guetlein, Stephen Whiting Confirmed to New Space Leadership Roles

The Senate has voted to confirm Space Force Gens. Michael Guetlein and Stephen Whiting to four-star leadership roles.

Guetlein, who is slated to deliver a keynote speech at the upcoming 2024 Space Summit, will transition from leading Space Systems Command to serving as the U.S. Space Force’s vice chief of space operations, SpaceNews reported.

He will succeed retired Gen. David Thompson in the service branch’s number two role. Guetlein’s replacement as SSC leader is Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant.

Meanwhile, Whiting will take the top post at the U.S. Space Command after more than three years at the helm of the Space Operations Command. He succeeds Gen. James Dickinson, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, as Spacecom chief.

The confirmations come after a six-month delay caused by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who blocked military promotions in protest of Pentagon travel reimbursements for troops seeking abortions.