CSO visits US Space Forces Indo-Pacific, focuses on integrated space operations in priority theater

Published May 7, 2024
By Tech. Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and his wife, Jennifer, paid a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, to visit Guardians and meet with key players in the support and operation of space assets in the Indo-Pacific theater, May 3.

Photo of Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman and a Space Force officer — Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Maj. Cody Felipe, Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron commander, discuss the progress made in advancing integrated space capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater at Ka’ena Point Space Force Station, Hawaii, May 3, 2024. During his visit, Saltzman toured the Hawaii Tracking Station, call sign “HULA,” and met with personnel to discuss their support to the Defense Department providing critical capabilities in support of the Joint Force in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Jimmie Pike)

Photo of Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman — Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, meet with the Hawaii Military Affairs Council at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2024. The MAC is comprised of business leaders and retired U.S. flag and general officers who liaise with the military commands and support the U.S. military’s role in advancing the national security strategy and emphasize the value of Hawaii as the strategic headquarters for Defense Department operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Robert Webb)

Photo of Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, talking to members of Hawaii Air National Guard — Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman meets with members of the Hawaii Air National Guard to discuss their important contributions to the Space Force’s mission, May 3, 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. During the town hall, Saltzman addressed questions about options being considered to further integrate ANG space functions into the Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Jimmie Pike)

Throughout the day, Saltzman attended the Indo-Pacific Headquarters change of command; met with Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, to discuss the progress made in advancing integrated space capabilities in the theater; visited Ka’ena Point Space Force Station ; and participated in a civic engagement with the Hawaii Military Affairs Committee.

While Saltzman was meeting with Mastalir, Jennifer met with SPACEFOR-INDOPAC spouses at the Aloha Conference Center to discuss experiences and challenges as a Space Force family member.

Photo of Military Spouses taking a group photo — Jennifer Saltzman, center, spouse of Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, and U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific spouses visit the Aloha Conference Center during a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2024. The spouses discussed many initiatives being implemented throughout the Department of the Air Force to improve quality of life for Guardians and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jimmie Pike)

After the morning’s events, Saltzman and his wife attended the INDOPACOM change of command before heading to Ka’ena Point for a site visit.

During the visit to Ka’ena Point, Saltzman was able to see firsthand the support Guardians serving in the Indo-Pacific provide the space mission across the priority theater.

“The tracking station is manned by Guardians assigned to Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron, and they enable satellite command and control in support of the Joint Force across the theater,” Mastalir said. “Ka’ena Point’s mission ensures U.S., allied, and partner operations to preserve stability throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations.”

Acknowledging all of their hard work, Saltzman lauded the Guardians for their efforts and recognized key performers.

“The dedication and expertise of our Guardians in the Indo-Pacific has directly impacted the security and stability of the space domain and the region. The SPACEFOR-INDOPAC mission ensures we are better connected, more informed, faster, more precise and more lethal should we be required to respond to any challenge or crisis.” Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman

After completing the tour of Ka’ena Point Space Force Station, Saltzman continued into the civic engagement where he discussed the importance of the Space Force’s capabilities supporting Department of Defense objectives, specifically how the United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific command plays a critical role in that capability. They went on to discuss the importance of working with our communities and residents throughout the Hawaiian Islands and how they want to continue to develop those relationships.

“SPACEFOR-INDOPAC Guardians have been hard at work building and strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships as we continue to promote and demonstrate responsible norms of behavior in the domain,” Saltzman said. “A free and open Indo-Pacific is not possible without our Guardians’ efforts.”

Closing out the day, Saltzman held a town hall with more than 50 members of the Hawaii Air National Guard assigned to the 109th and 150th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadrons to discuss their important contributions to the Space Force’s mission. Throughout the event, Saltzman addressed questions about the options being considered to further integrate ANG space functions into the Space Force. He emphasized transferring to the Space Force would be on a volunteer basis and those who volunteer would remain in their current status with no break in service or entitlements until personnel policy related to the transfer is established.

Space capabilities help us connect globally, manage our resources, address transnational challenges and deter conflict – the U.S. will continue to deliver advanced space capabilities that support the joint warfighter.