VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- General Jay Raymond, commander of Air Force Space Command, met with base personnel here June 1, 2017, to share his vision and priorities for the command. He also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the 30th Space Wing’s contributions to the nation’s critical space capabilities.
The general’s visit included a 30th Space Wing update and tour, a base-wide all call, and breakfast with outstanding Team V Airmen.
“The opportunity to have breakfast with a four-star general after serving in the Air Force for only a year was an honor,” said Airman 1st Class Clayton Wear, 30th SW Public Affairs. “Gen. Raymond clarified the importance and influence of each rank at the 30th Space Wing, to the overall success of Space Command. It was obvious how much he cares about each Airman, and recognizes the importance of every person involved.”
In addition to touring and interacting with Airmen from around the base, Raymond held an all call to share his views on future space capabilities and outline his priorities for the command.
“This is a really critical time in the space business. In my 33 years I have never seen a time like this. I think everybody realizes just how reliant we have become on space capabilities, and how they fuel our way of life and our way of war,” said Raymond. However, access to the capabilities that we’ve become so reliant is not a given in the future. We have to continue to work every day on ensuring we can organize, train, and equip our forces to meet the ever increasing challenges in the space domain.”
He emphasized the integral role of Vandenberg in combat operations around the world through cyber and space support.
“Every aspect of our Air Force relies on space and cyber-based systems,” said Raymond. “And everything you do here at this base supports the Air Force mission as a whole. Vandenberg is national treasure because this is the only base that the Air Force launches satellites into polar orbit. You are vital to ensuring we maintain assured access to space. We cannot perform our mission without you, so thank you for what you do each and every day."