Schiess sworn in as the Space Force’s highest-ranking uniformed leader

Published Sept. 3, 2026
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- Gen. Douglas A. Schiess was formally installed Sept. 3 as the Chief of Space Operations, the U.S. Space Force’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, during a change of responsibility ceremony with his retiring predecessor, Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Newly appointed Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess addresses members of the official party during a Change of Responsibility ceremony, Joint Base Andrews Md., Sept 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

Schiess is taking charge of the youngest branch of the military at a time of fundamental growth and expanding strategic importance.

“Our way of life, our economy and our national security all depend on our ability to achieve space superiority,” Schiess said to an audience of family, colleagues and senior leaders.

“Every day, our potential adversaries advance their efforts to disrupt, degrade or destroy our space capabilities and they try to add to their own capacity to exploit space to their advantage. We cannot — we will not — let that happen,” he said. “As CSO, I want to be clear — our purpose is not confrontation, but deterrence, ensuring no adversary believes aggression against the United States will succeed.”

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink places his hand over his heart as the National Anthem is played at the Chief of Space Operations Change of Responsibility ceremony, Joint Base Andrews Md., Sept 3, 2026. During the ceremony, Gen. Douglas Schiess was appointed the new Chief of Space Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

As the presiding official of the ceremony, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink touched on the challenges and demands of the job Schiess is accepting and why he believes Schiess is equipped to lead the service.

“We are entrusting you with our Guardians and their families,” Meink said. “On top of that, we are asking you to lead our Space Force in an incredibly dynamic threat environment. Today, we face a mix of rapidly changing technologies and adversaries moving aggressively to employ them against us. Our adversaries are innovating, they are adapting and they have every incentive to try and outpace us. Because they understand that no nation can be truly secure without space superiority.”

“In this environment,” Meink said, “it is critical we have the right Chief of Space Operations. A CSO must set a clear vision and ensure that our force adapts with speed and scale as this moment demands. A CSO must discern threat from opportunity because there are a lot of both, while ensuring we never cede the ultimate high ground. That’s where General Schiess comes in. No one understands that space operational environment better than Doug.”

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, left, and Gen. Douglas Schiess laugh during a change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich) — Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Gen. Douglas Schiess laugh during a change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

The United States Space Force Honor Guard takes part in a Change of Responsibility ceremony honoring newly appointed Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess, Joint Base Andrews Md., Sept 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna prepares to deliver the ceremonial Chief of Space Operations flag to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink during a Change of Responsibility ceremony, Joint Base Andrews Md., Sept 3, 2026. During the ceremony, Gen. Douglas Schiess was appointed the new Chief of Space Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

Schiess credited past leaders of the Space Force in paving the way forward as he assumes responsibility for more than 15,000 uniformed and civilian members.

“My charge is to enable our Guardians to write the force’s exciting next chapter, one built on the remarkable legacy of our past leaders and the unflagging commitment of our current force,” Schiess said.

“I will be relentless in my efforts to ensure our Guardians are ready, our capabilities are resilient, our partnerships are strong and our service is worthy of the trust placed in us by the American people,” he said.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman speaks during a change of responsibility ceremony with Gen. Douglas Schiess on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Saltzman also gave remarks reflecting on his last four years as CSO and more than three decades of military service. He expressed appreciation to his family, the military and the many partners who continue to support the Space Force.

“With all of your help, we have articulated the critical need for space to our nation and our national security. And we’ve built an organization capable of protecting and defending our interests in space,” Saltzman said.

Saltzman added, “It has been an amazing journey, and it has been the highest honor of my life and career to serve as Chief of Space Operations.”

The ceremony, held at Joint Base Andrews, was set in motion in August when the Senate confirmed Schiess to be the third CSO in Space Force history.

With his new role officially set, Schiess offered insight into his focus and priorities. To succeed, he said, “we must build on our combat credibility and increase the number of options we provide to the President, the Chairman [of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] and the Joint Force.”

In his remarks, Schiess thanked a long list of colleagues, mentors and friends, saving special notice for his wife, Debbie. “Thank you for all your love, patience, sacrifice and encouragement over all these many years. You have made today possible. I know I would not be standing here today without you by my side,” he said.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink administers the Oath of Office to newly newly appointed Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess during a Change of Responsibility ceremony, Joint Base Andrews Md., Sept 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Andy Morataya)

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess salutes during his change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Gen. Chance Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess speaks during his change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Gen. Chance Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Guests render honors to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink during the change of responsibility ceremony for Chief of Space Operations Gen. Douglas Schiess on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 3, 2026. Schiess succeeded Gen. Chance Saltzman as the third CSO of the U.S. Space Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)