Space Force Executive Appointments & Leadership Moves Space Defense & Militarization

Douglas Schiess takes command as Space Force’s third chief amid planned expansion

Gen. Douglas Schiess assumed leadership of the U.S. Space Force on Sept. 3, succeeding Gen. B. Chance Saltzman as chief of space operations. His tenure begins as the service prepares to expand its funding, personnel and missions, placing implementation of that growth at the center of his agenda.

Discovered 2026-09-03T13:05:26.247992-07:00 | 2026-09-03T13:05:26.247992-07:00

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Schiess’s assumption of command formalizes the leadership transition following his Senate confirmation, with Saltzman succeeded as the service’s chief of space operations.
The change comes as the Space Force prepares for expanded funding, personnel and missions, making Schiess’s stated emphasis on growing “with intention” relevant to the service’s organizational and operational trajectory.

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