CMSSF visit to PACOM highlights maturation of space integration

Published July 24, 2026
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna completed a multi-installation tour across the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, June 8-26. The tour allowed Bentivegna to engage with Guardians, Airmen, and allied partners to assess readiness and the evolution of space integration.

Throughout the tour, which featured stops at Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, Kadena Air Base, Osan Air Base, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Bentivegna observed real-world operations demonstrating how U.S. Space Forces Pacific is actively driving space integration into broader USPACOM operations.

"Our Guardians out here in the Pacific are getting after it every single day." Bentivegna said. "Whether they’re safeguarding critical military satellite communications, mitigating interference, or monitoring theater missile warning and tracking operations, these Guardians are the driving force securing the space domain. They're delivering the vital capabilities our Joint Force relies on to deter aggression in this theater.”

While each site visit in Japan, Korea and Hawaii emphasized a commitment to tactical excellence, much of the tour’s focus centered on the strategic maturation of Theater Space Operations Centers.

Initially fielded during exercise Keen Edge 26, the TSpOC concept is designed to provide integrated, responsive, and assured space capabilities; enable effective command and control of theater space capabilities; and enhance space domain awareness across the Pacific.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, right, receives a facility tour at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 15, 2026. The tour highlighted joint and combined capabilities that enable synchronized multinational operations to support deterrence and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams) — Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, right, receives a facility tour at Osan Air Base, South Korea, June 15, 2026. The tour highlighted joint and combined capabilities that enable synchronized multinational operations to support deterrence and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams)

CMSSF visits Pearl Harbor-Hickam — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Butler, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Destiny Butler, pose for a photo during an immersion tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2026. Bentivegna visited Hawaii as part of a tour of the region to see firsthand how the Space Force integrates with allies and joint partners to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Makenna Patterson)

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna recently met with U.S. service members and prominent Japan Self-Defense Forces leaders during a visit to Yokota Air Base and throughout Japan — Japan Air Self-Defense Force Col. Miwa Daisuke, Space Operations Wing deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna participate in a meeting at Fuchu Air Base, Japan, June 8, 2026. Bentivegna engaged with Japan Joint Staff warrant officers and senior enlisted leaders from JASDF to exchange perspectives on professional military development and joint force integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kayla Karelas)

"What we saw during KEEN EDGE proved that to fight and win, we need robust, dedicated command and control for space,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, SPACEPAC commander. “Our Guardians are taking that framework and using it right now to deliver real-world effects for the combatant commander.”

To ensure regional agility, SPACEPAC is actively coordinating with U.S. Space Forces–Korea and U.S. Space Forces–Japan to build requirements for space operations centers tailored to support their specific missions, along with scalable, mobile solutions for regional operations.

CMSSF visits Hawaii — Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna, right, speaks with a Guardian assigned to Space Forces Indo-Pacific during a morale hike at Ka’ena Point Space Force Station, Hawaii, June 22, 2026. Bentivegna engaged with Guardians executing critical global satellite control operations while fostering team camaraderie. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Soo C. Kim)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna receives a demonstration on the joint commercial operations at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 15, 2026. The demonstration highlighted the collaborative efforts of U.S. and ROK service members who leverage commercial space capabilities to enhance shared awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams) — Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna receives a demonstration on the joint commercial operations at Osan Air Base, South Korea, June 15, 2026. The demonstration highlighted the collaborative efforts of U.S. and Republic of Korea service members who leverage commercial space capabilities to enhance shared awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams)

"What SPACEPAC, USSPACEFOR-KOR, and USSPACEFOR-JPN are building out here is setting the blueprint for the entire Space Force," Bentivegna emphasized. "We are empowering our space professionals at every level to execute the mission. Tailoring these ops centers ensures our Guardians have exactly what they need to stay agile, mobile, and ready to respond across the region."

By prioritizing flexible, robust command and control structures, SPACEPAC and its subordinate commands are ensuring that the Space Force remains postured to secure the space domain and protect the Joint Force throughout the Indo-Pacific.