VAFB boosts community and base partnerships

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubree Milks
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs

Civic leaders, local business owners and base leadership came together for a Joint Chambers of Commerce Luncheon at the Pacific Coast Club here March 7, 2019.

The luncheon, which is annually hosted by the Lompoc Valley and Santa Maria Valley Chambers of Commerce, provides community members the opportunity to hear directly from the 30th Space Wing commander on his priorities and a projection of what is to come.  

“We (local Community members) want to continually make it clear that we value and appreciate the fact that Vandenberg is part of our communities, both as a major economic driver and as a collection of individuals doing valuable work and service on our behalf,” said Glenn Morris, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

More than 150 members of the community attended the luncheon.

“Our community members strive to support Vandenberg Airmen because they do more than just serve our country, they serve our community,” said Amber Wilson, Lompoc Chamber of Commerce CEO.

Col. Michael Hough, 30th Space Wing commander provided comments on Vandenberg’s mission as the West Coast spaceport and test range.

“We have a lot going on here at Vandenberg,” Hough said. “The launch schedule is projected to increase throughout the next couple years and updates to the range will solidify our responsiveness and efficiency for our commercial launch partners.”

Hough thanked local community members for welcoming military families into their communities.

“We are lucky to live on the Central Coast,” Hough said.  “Our communities continue to support Vandenberg, our mission and our Airmen, and for that I say thank you.”