The Air Force's 45th Space Wing supported NASA's successful launch of Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, April 18, 2017.
Colorado Springs, Colo. (AFNS) - Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein emphasized the essential role airmen have when it comes to space superiority during the 34th Space Symposium, April 17, 2018, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
"Our space specialists must be world-class experts in their domain," said Goldfein. "But, every airman, beyond the space specialty, must understand the business of space superiority. And, we must also have a working knowledge of ground maneuver and maritime operations if we are to integrate air, space and cyber operations in a truly seamless joint campaign."
Space is in the Air Force's DNA, said Goldfein. The service has been the leader of the space domain since 1954 and will remain passionate and unyielding as the service continues into the future, he added.
"Let there be no doubt, as the service responsible for 90 percent of the Department of
(US Air Force photo by Scott M. Ash)
President Donald Trump and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, meet with airmen at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, September 15, 2017.
Space enables everything the Joint Force does, and space capabilities are not only vital to success on the battlefield, but are also essential to the American way of life.
Goldfein also discussed the importance of working with allies and partner in space.
"As strong as we may be as airmen and joint warfighters, we are strongest when we fight together with our allies and partners," said Goldfein. "Integrating with our allies and partners will improve the safety, stability and sustainability of space and will ultimately garner the international support that condemns any adversary's harmful actions."
US Air Force/United Launch Alliance
The Air Force launched the ninth Boeing-built Wideband Global SATCOM satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, March 18, 2017.
The importance of space is highlighted in both the recently published National Security and National Defense strategies. In addition, the President's Budget for Fiscal 2019 offers the largest budget for space since 2003.
Goldfein acknowledged that investing in technology is vital, but investing in the development and training of our joint warriors is equally important, he said.
"We must make investments in our people to strengthen and integrate their expertise," said Goldfein. "We are building a Joint-smart space force and a space-smart Joint force. That begins with broad experience and deep expertise."
Goldfein went on to underscore how space enables all operations, but it has become a contested domain. The Air Force must deter a conflict that could extend into space, and has an obligation to be prepared to fight and win if deterrence fails.
"We will remain the preeminent air and space force for America and her allies," said Goldfein. "The future of military space operations remains in confident and competent hands with airmen. Always the predator, never the prey; we own the high ground."