30th SCS welcomes new commander and objectives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hanah Abercrombie
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan J. White took command of the 30th Space Communications Squadron during a ceremony here June 8.

While White is in command, his mission is to be aggressive in pushing the unit towards the defense elements while still continuing every day operations.

 “We will be providing customer service to the 30th Space Wing, to the range, and to the community here at Vandenberg Air Force Base while at the same time moving our organization towards protection of the mission and weapons systems that the range operates upon,” said White.

All forms of electronic communication across the base are provided by the communication squadron, along with a special flight that is responsible for mobile optical tracking of space craft during launches, said Chief Master Sgt. Zackeriah Stys, the 30th SCS superintendent.

One of White’s objectives is to improve the quality and efficiency of day to day operations by communicating with customers and providing them with the support that they need in a timely manner.

“One of the things that I would like to focus on here is getting out and about, meeting all of the other units, understanding their missions and better figuring out how the 30th Space Communications Squadron can support their operations,” said White. “Every organization here on Vandenberg is providing a service to the nation, and my job for the near future is making sure that we are providing the level of support that enables them to do their job.”

The squadron has recently started the process of transitioning from a traditional communication role to a more forward thinking, mission defense and cyber protection focus for the future.

“We want to better protect those assets and capabilities that our adversaries would seek to exploit,” said White. “That is going to mean protection of the launch, landing, and recovery element for what we do.”

In all, White’s biggest tasks will be building upon what the squadron already has in place and making innovative changes and improvements.

“We are happy to have him on board and are looking forward to the next two years with him at helm,” said Stys.