VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg Honorary Commanders Roberto Rodriguez, Brad Wilkie and Jason Banta visited Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 14, 2026.
Guided by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Seth Poulsen, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, the tour group viewed demonstrations and learned about the responsibility that 30th CES holds to build, sustain and protect VSFB structures, infrastructure and land. The 30th CES Operations Flight oversees operations engineering, mission engineering, facility systems, infrastructure systems and heavy repair at VSFB.
Next, the tour group went to the The Crucible Innovation Lab, a collaborative environment where Vandenberg members can come together to brainstorm, innovate, and bring ideas to life. The Crucible offers individuals the tools, resources, and space needed to turn their concepts into a reality. U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Kyle Rowland, Space Launch Delta 30 chief of spaceport integration, spoke about the importance of modernizing space launch infrastructure and led a discussion on the unique operations at the Vandenberg Spaceport and Test Range.
The honorary commanders program at VSFB is a partnership initiative managed by Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs. The program is designed to bridge the gap between the military installation and the local community by pairing local leaders with base commanders.