VAFB launches into a new era, welcoming USSF inductees

Maj. Gen. John E. Shaw, U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command commander, gives the commissioning oath to Capt. Thomas Stortz, SpOC aide-de-camp, into the United States Space Force, Sept. 1, 2020, at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Shortly after, approximately 21 officers and enlisted members at Vandenberg Air Force Base were ceremonially inducted into the USSF. The induction ceremony followed the time honored military tradition as the officer and enlisted members affirmed their commitment to the armed services by taking either the Oath of Office or the Oath of Enlistment. The newly commissioned members joined Gen. Jay Raymond, U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations and commander of U.S. Space Command, Chief Master Sgt. Roger A. Towberman, U.S. Space Force Senior Enlisted Advisor, and 86 U.S. Air Force Academy graduates as official members of the USSF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy)