U.S. Department of Defense establishes U.S. Space Command.

At the direction of the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper established U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) today 30 August as the eleventh Unified Combatant Command. Gen. John W. Raymond is its Senate confirmed commander.

(Picture source: U.S. Space Command)

“To ensure the protection of America’s interests in space we must apply the necessary focus, energy, and resources to the task – and that is exactly what Space Command will do,” said Defense Secretary Esper. “Gen. Raymond is acutely aware of the vital role that space plays in U.S. national security and our way of life and is an ideal choice to lead this new command. Establishing the United States Space Command as a unified combatant command is the next critical step towards the creation of an independent Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.”

“Assured access to space is vital across the full range of military operations,” said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. “This step puts us on a path to maintain a competitive advantage in this critical war fighting domain.”

Donald Trump held a White House Rose Garden ceremony with his national security team present to make the announcement. The President explained, "It will ensure that America's dominance in space is never questioned and never threatened because we know the best way to prevent conflict is to prepare for victory.

From establishment, Gen. Raymond will remain dual-hatted as Commander, U.S. Space Command, and Commander, Air Force Space Command.