Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

Staff sergeant lights illuminate the corner during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, representing their transformation into leaders. An NCO is a leader and mentor responsible for offering training and discipline to junior-enlisted members while enforcing standards necessary to mission execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

Space Launch Delta 30’s noncommissioned officer backbone is featured on the center stage during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. The backbone represents the crucial link between command and the enlisted personnel. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, representing their transformation into leaders. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Davis, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron facility systems superintendent, gives remarks during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Davis mentioned the fundamental shift in identity for new NCOs - from Airman and Guardian to servant leader. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, symbolizing their acceptance of the NCO charge to lead with courage, purpose and care. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

Vandenberg’s new noncommissioned officers stand for the NCO charge during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. The new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, representing their transformation into leaders. The NCO charge is a formal code of ethics and duties given to new NCOs during their promotion ceremonies. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence A. Smith II, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander, gives remarks as the presiding official during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Smith mentioned the profound responsibilities and unwavering commitment required of the NCO corps. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, symbolizing their acceptance of the NCO charge to lead with courage, purpose and care. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

New noncommissioned officers sit after receiving their diplomas during an NCO induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, symbolizing their acceptance of the NCO charge to lead with courage, purpose and care. An NCO is a leader and mentor responsible for offering training and discipline to junior-enlisted members while enforcing standards necessary to mission execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

Team Vandenberg personnel applaud during a noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, symbolizing their acceptance of the NCO charge to lead with courage, purpose and care. An NCO is a leader and mentor responsible for offering training and discipline to junior-enlisted members while enforcing standards necessary to mission execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

New noncommissioned officers stand for a group photo during an NCO induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026. Vandenberg’s new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, symbolizing their acceptance of the NCO charge to lead with courage, purpose and care. An NCO is a leader and mentor responsible for offering training and discipline to junior-enlisted members while enforcing standards necessary to mission execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes)

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Team Vandenberg Welcomes New NCOs

Published Sept. 2, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Ian Hawkes
Space Launch Delta 30

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --

Vandenberg’s new noncommissioned officers attend their noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 2, 2026.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence A. Smith II, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander, gave remarks as the presiding official. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Davis, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron facility systems superintendent, gave remarks as the guest speaker.

The new NCOs passed through the NCO arch, representing their transformation into leaders. The NCO charge is a formal code of ethics and duties given to new NCOs during their promotion ceremonies.