OTTAWA, Ontario (AFNS) -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman traveled to Canada Jul. 8-10 to attend the Royal Canadian Air Force Change of Command ceremony, engage military space leaders, and reaffirm the strong bilateral space partnership.
During his visit, Saltzman participated in engagements at the Canadian Space Operations Centre, including a roundtable discussion with 3 Canadian Space Division commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Horner and other Canadian military space officials. The roundtable provided the leaders with a key opportunity to exchange strategic perspectives, advance the longstanding bilateral defense relationship, and identify new avenues to increase capability, interoperability, and deterrence in the space domain.
Saltzman also took part in a bilateral meeting with the new RCAF commander, Lt. Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet. Saltzman congratulated Speiser-Blanchet on her new role, and the two leaders discussed her priorities moving forward. They affirmed the importance of bilateral space cooperation and agreed that the interests of the U.S. Space Force and RCAF are intrinsically linked. Saltzman expressed support for Canada’s focus on space control, space domain awareness, and Arctic satellite communications capabilities, and underscored the U.S. Space Force commitment to increasing cooperation in line with shared defense interests.
Additionally, Saltzman presented the Legion of Merit to Speiser-Blanchet’s predecessor, Lt. Gen. Eric Kenny, in recognition of his leadership in enhancing the RCAF’s ability to operate seamlessly alongside the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force and strengthening the defense of North America. The Legion of Merit is one of the highest honors the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign servicemember.
During the trip, Saltzman also met with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra and other embassy officials.
