United States Space Force establishes SPOC: Space Operations Command

United States Space Force

The United States Space Force is getting its very own SPOC. On December 30th, the United States Air Force announced that its 14th unit is to be redesignated “Space Operations Command” - or SPOC.

The United States Space Force (USSF) was officially created on December 20th of last year, when President Donald Trump signed the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. It now comprises the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces, along with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. At the time, the Secretary of the Air Force, Barbara M. Barrett said, “The launch of the U.S. Space Force propels the nation into a new era. [...] An agile, lean and technologically-advanced force of talented professionals will now singularly focus on protecting our U.S. national interests and security in space.”

Maj. Gen. John E. Shaw, former Fourteenth Air Force commander, and new SPOC commander, said of the change, “It is an honor and privilege to lead the U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command. Every day, all around the planet, people count on us to make a difference – to provide a space-enabled combat edge to the warfighters that keep our country, our allies, and our partners safe. [...] We will not let them down.”

More details are expected later this year about SPOC’s roles and responsibilities in support of US national security objectives.

(h/t Comicbook.com)