Mission Delta commanders highlight critical space capabilities at 2025 AFA Warfare Symposium

Published March 6, 2025
Space Operations Command Public Affairs

AURORA, Colo. (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Force Mission Delta commanders took the stage in two separate panels at the 2025 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium discussing the future of missile warning systems and GPS modernization, both critical components of space superiority.

Col. Ernest Schmitt, Mission Delta 4 commander, participated in the session titled Missile Warning and Tracking for Next-Gen Threats. He emphasized the increasing importance of missile warning systems in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“From my perspective as the operator, we’re focused on how we employ what we have today in the most effective way,” Schmitt said. “We’re laser focused … and we’re going to do everything in our power to get the most capability we can.”

Schmitt also commented on the importance of allied and partner nation integration to missile warning and missile defense.

“We have allied mission partners that are integrated in our ops floors, who are a part of our crews that do the training and exercises that we expect of our U.S. personnel,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough for how much they provide to the mission.”

With adversaries deploying more sophisticated and numerous missile threats, Schmitt reinforced the need for an advanced and resilient tracking system capable of handling simultaneous engagements.

Additionally, Col. Andrew Menschner, Mission Delta 31 commander, spoke in the PNT at a crossroads panel, underscoring the U.S. Space Force's commitment to providing reliable Position Navigation and Timing capabilities for both military and civilian users.

“PNT is absolutely vital to the modern way of life, and it is absolutely critical to global military operations,” Menschner said. “It is critical to space superiority, and space superiority is the foundational requirement for the success of the joint force.”

Menschner detailed the ongoing modernization efforts that aim to maintain GPS as the "gold standard" in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing services worldwide and improving the resiliency of the constellation.

Menschner added, “we may look at the diversity of the constellation. Simply put, more vehicles using more PNT and more accuracy, and then we may look at new command and control strategies, all to get after that prevention of disruption.”

Beyond military applications, GPS serves as a foundational technology for numerous industries, including finance, transportation, telecommunications, and disaster response. The symposium discussion highlighted how improvements in GPS will continue to support these critical sectors while enhancing national security.

Both commanders reiterated a shared message: space superiority is no longer just a supporting function but an essential component of joint force success. Their discussions underscored the U.S. Space Force’s role in ensuring space-based capabilities remain resilient, adaptive, and ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly contested domain.