CMSSF strengthens allied partnerships during first European tour

Published July 30, 2025
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall
U.S. Space Forces in Europe - Space Forces Africa

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna just concluded a series of meetings and visits in a multi-nation European tour designed to strengthen partnerships with allied space partners and assess U.S. Space Force operations across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, July 15-27.

The visit marked Bentivegna’s first official multi-nation tour of the EUCOM AOR since assuming the top enlisted position in the U.S. Space Force. Bentivegna’s travel began in the United Kingdom, followed with visits to Ramstein Air Base, and Camp Darby, Italy. Throughout his meetings, he emphasized the importance of interoperability, integration and collective defense in the space domain alongside trusted allies and partners.

“In the increasingly complex and contested space domain, collective defense is paramount; it's a vast frontier where no single nation can operate effectively in isolation,” Bentivegna said. “To secure our shared interests and ensure space superiority, robust interoperability and seamless integration with our trusted allies and partners are not just beneficial, but absolutely foundational. This collaborative approach, leveraging our combined strengths, is how we will collectively address challenges and guarantee our security in, from and to space.”

The tour followed the U.S. Space Force's July 8 unveiling of its inaugural International Partnership Strategy, a comprehensive vision for deepening allied collaboration to ensure a secure, stable and sustainable space domain. Recognizing that no single nation can manage space alone, the strategy highlights the critical need for international cooperation and robust partnerships leveraging combined strengths.

“The unveiling of our International Partnership Strategy just prior to this tour was no coincidence; it’s the very foundation upon which these engagements are built,” Bentivegna stated. “This strategy isn’t merely a document; it’s a living commitment to collective security, ensuring that our shared future in space is defended by the unified strength of our allies.”

A young Guardian speaks to the Chief in front of his peers at an office-like work center — A U.S. Space Force Guardian speaks to Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna about his exceptional performance at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center in Landstuhl, Germany, July 25, 2025. Bentivegna's first tour of European Command laid the groundwork for strong cooperation between allies in the future evolving space security landscape and advanced Space Force objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Calvert)

The Chief looks very engaged with the informal briefing he is receiving from a young Guardian in a command center with multiple screens — Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna speaks to Space Force Guardians assigned to the 53rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment C at the Wideband Satellite Communications Operations Center in Landstuhl, Germany, July 25, 2025. Bentivegna's first tour of European Command laid the groundwork for strong cooperation between allies in the future evolving space security landscape and advanced Space Force objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Calvert)

Three men at the head of a causal column of military members are walking on a sidewalk outside — Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna speaks to U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Alex Birkle, U.S. Space Forces in Europe - Space Forces Africa command senior enlisted leader, during a visit at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 25, 2025. Bentivegna’s tour of European Command reflected a focused effort to integrate the Space Force’s mission with NATO and allied priorities. As space continues to mature as a critical warfighting domain, these engagements and discussions bolster coalition readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Calvert)

Throughout his travels, Bentivegna was joined by senior enlisted space leaders from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and NATO to strengthen joint effectiveness and foster international cooperation.

Bentivegna attended the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London and the Royal International Air Tattoo. He also visited the Royal Air Force bases at Waddington, High Wycombe and Molesworth, further strengthening ties with the United Kingdom space counterparts.

"This multi-nation tour truly underscored the U.S. Space Force's global reach, allowing us to learn from and strengthen the vital partnerships essential for collective defense in the space domain,” he said. “It was also an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our Guardians on the ground, whose dedication is vital to our national security."

The group held key meetings with NATO Allied Air Command and U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa and conducted in-depth discussions with Guardians at the 603rd Air Operations Center and critical operational detachments.

The team also visited the 53rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 3 (Delta 8) and the 3rd Space Communications Squadron, Detachment (Delta 4).

Bentivegna concluded his visit to Europe at Camp Darby, Italy, where he met with forward-deployed Guardians supporting strategic operations in southern Europe.

The tour reflected a focused effort to integrate the Space Force’s mission with NATO and allied priorities. As space continues to mature as a critical warfighting domain, these engagements bolster coalition readiness and interoperability.

“As Guardians, we understand that our competitive advantage in space isn't forged alone; it's profoundly amplified by the indispensable strength and close collaboration with our trusted allies and partners,” he said. “This unified approach, leveraging the combined capabilities of like-minded nations, is how we secure space superiority – a critical prerequisite for the success of our Joint Force and all who depend on a stable domain. Our foundational partnerships are truly what empower us to effectively address complex challenges and maintain our strategic edge.”

By fostering shared understanding, elevating enlisted leadership and reinforcing transatlantic bonds, Bentivegna’s first EUCOM tour laid the groundwork for even stronger cooperation in the evolving space security landscape and advanced Space Force objectives.