US Space Force’s top general visits Space Forces Korea > US Indo-Pacific Command > 2015

The U.S. Space Force’s chief of space operations, General Chance Saltzman, met with Guardians, government and military officials during a visit to Osan Air Base and Seoul from May 5 to 7.

Saltzman visited several Space Force units at Osan AB and witnessed firsthand the scope of the service’s mission in the region and its growth in recent years.

“Our Guardians serving in Korea provide the space expertise needed to deter aggression and strengthen partnerships in the dynamic security environment we face,” Saltzman said. “The critical missions they perform as part of the joint force will give us the advantages we need to compete and defeat our adversaries and overcome any threats we face.”

Osan is home to US Space Forces – Korea, activated in December 2022 and assigned to US Forces Korea Sub-Unified Command. SPACEFOR-KOR works closely with allies and joint partners to integrate space activities into shared operations, activities and investments.

Saltzman met with SPACEFOR-KOR Guardians and leadership during his visit, gaining a deeper understanding of their recent contributions to the space mission and recognizing several superior performers.

“We are excited to showcase the incredible efforts of our Guardians to increase space domain integration and awareness over the past year and a half,” said Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, commander of SPACEFOR-KOR. “From sitting side-by-side with our ROK partners during Tier-1 exercises, to developing relationships with space domain leaders in Korea through seminars and conferences, Guardians here embody the ‘Partner to Win’ mentality. We are also synchronizing capabilities with our joint U.S. partners across the peninsula, aligning information flow and understanding – underscoring the success of our defense mission in theater.”

The Space Force established the 5th Space Warning Squadron Detachment 3 at Osan AB in October 2023 and assumed responsibility for providing assured missile warnings in the Indo-Pacific region through the acquisition of the Joint Tactical Ground Station missile warning system from the army. Its mission goes hand-in-hand with that of the 73rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment 2, also located at Osan AB, which provides accurate and timely information to the combatant commander.

“Evolving threats in the space domain present new challenges every day, which is why these Guardians understand the importance of being prepared for Fight Tonight,” said Saltzman. “They approach combat readiness with a sense of intensity that truly embodies the Guardian Spirit.”

Saltzman also discussed the importance of space superiority with government and defense officials in Seoul. He met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, the ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief of Staff of the ROK Air Force.

The discussions focused on strengthening integration between ROK and U.S. space personnel and operations and continuing dialogue on space and missile defense capabilities within the broader defense framework of the Korean Peninsula.

Integration with allies and partners is one of the Space Force’s three most important efforts. “Partnering to Win” remains integral to the agency’s success, and SPACEFOR-KOR’s mission is critical to that effort.

“Our countries’ shared focus on space is a testament to the strength of the ROK-US alliance, and our cooperation is critical to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula. We will succeed with the support of like-minded countries such as the Republic of Korea.”