News

July 3, 2025
Col. Mark Shoemaker's Retirement

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander, presents a retirement certificate to U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, during Shoemaker’s retirement ceremony at Vandenberg
July 2, 2025
Media Advisory: Space Launch Delta 30 to Host Change of Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, July 8

U.S. Space Force Col. Mark A. Shoemaker will pass command of SLD 30, Vandenberg SFB’s host unit, to U.S. Space Force Col. James T. Horne III in a change-of-command ceremony, at the Vandenberg SFB Parade Grounds July 8 at 10 a.m.
July 2, 2025
Vandenberg Trains for Wildfires

Vandenberg’s 30 CES Fire Department executed burns near Watt Road and 13th Street at North Vandenberg, covering a total of 30 acres over the course of 12 days. The intensive two-week exercise gives Vandenberg’s wildland firefighting teams valuable experience fighting live fire scenarios.
June 30, 2025
‘Lead as Yourself’ SLD 30 Commander Departs, Leaves Legacy of Mission Excellence

After nearly three decades of service, Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, will retire July 3, 2025, ahead of the Space Launch Delta 30 change of command, July 8, 2025.
June 29, 2025
Lompoc Flower Festival Parade Honors SLD 30, S4S Leadership

Members of Space Launch Delta 30 and U.S. Space Forces-Space leadership teams were honored at the Lompoc Flower Festival parade in Lompoc, Calif., June 28, 2024. There were over 50 entrees and over 500 attendees this year.
June 27, 2025
30th Healthcare Operation Squadron Change of Command

Team Vandenberg gathered for a change of command ceremony to witness the formal transfer of leadership and responsibilities from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tonya N. Barry, outgoing commander, to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher J. Smith, incoming commander, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.,
June 27, 2025
Vandenberg SFB and NASA Collaborate on Historic Patching Ceremony

U.S. Space Force Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, addresses Team Vandenberg personnel during a patching ceremony celebrating Vandenberg’s 27-year partnership with NASA, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 26, 2025. NASA donated 42 mission patches to recognize each of
June 26, 2025
Space Delta 1 Change of Command

Team Vandenberg members attended the Space Delta 1 Change of Command ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 25, 2025. The ceremony marked the official transition of command from U.S. Space Force Col. Peter “Charlie” Norsky to U.S. Space Force Col. Krista N. St. Romain.
June 25, 2025
Vandenberg Space and Missile Heritage Center Ribbon Cutting

Vandenberg Space Force Base hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its Space and Missile Heritage Center. The center provides the public an opportunity to view into the installations space launch and missile history. Visits are by appointment only, which can be made through our workflow email @
June 24, 2025
USSF Guardian and Crew-9 Commander Col. Nick Hague talks resilience at VSFB

U.S. Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut Col. Nick Hague, the first Guardian to launch into space, visited Vandenberg Space Force Base June 18, 2025.