Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck succeeds Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy as the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, followed by Army Gen. James H. Dickinson succeeding Space Force Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond as the commander of U.S. Space Command during ceremonies at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, August 20, 2020. O’Shaughnessy is retiring from active duty after 34 years of military service.

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Transcript

Ladies and gentlemen on behalf of the United States Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Mark T. Esper and the chief of defense staff, Canadian Armed Forces General Jonathan H. Fans. Welcome to the NORAD and US North com Change of Command where General Terrence J. O. Shaughnessy will relinquish command to General Glenn De Van Herck and mark his retirement from active duty were also honored to have members of the official party. The Minister of National Defence Canada the honorable hard it sergeant who will make virtual remarks The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Millie The presiding official for General O Shaughnessy’s retirement is General John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force and Commander United States Space Command. This morning’s music is provided by the United States Air Force Academy Band. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the arrival of the official party The march on of the colors playing of the military honors singing of the national anthems and the invocation honors air being rendered to the United States Secretary of Defense in his honor There will be a 19 gun salute Please hold your salute to till the final volley. Mr Secretary, please take center stage for honors, Mr Secretary. Thank you, sir. March on the colors. What? Oh, Canada Our home and native true patriot love in all of us Come on With glowing hearts we see thee rise the natural north strong and free from far and wide o Canada We stand on God for the go keep s and free Oh, Canada We stand on guard for thee Oh can re stand on God for the Oh say can you see? I don early who waas way at night last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright way waas way least reaming Oh, get through then Waas deal there. Oh, okay. That’s spangle. Oh, and post the colors. The NORAD and US North Com Command Chaplain United States Air Force Chaplain David Carr will now deliver the invocation. May I invite you to join me in prayer? Almighty God, Thank you. That we can virtually connect with you at any time. We pause here in Hangar 1 40 to honor you and to invite your divine presence here long ago when you laid the foundations of this world and placed humanity here to care for and to Stewart, it leadership was on your mind part of your master plan, and we today gather to celebrate leadership for organizations rise and fall based on the faithful commitment, decisional wisdom and courage of well prepared, selfless, diligent and vigilant leaders. Now we honor senior leaders today not perfect but highly capable leaders willing to show up and step up, willing to lean in and lead with vision daily accepting and shouldering massive responsibility, always with a view toward leading teams to conquer some of the greatest challenges of our time in defense of our nation’s. So today our prayer rises to you on behalf of NORAD and United States Northern Command and United States Space Command. Our prayer rises to you on behalf of the O Shaughnessy’s The Raymond’s The Van Hurts and the Dickinson’s all in transition now to new roles and responsibilities of leadership for our great nations and in continued pursuit of justice and freedom for our world. Bless each God with continued king insight, the divine wisdom, good health and, of course, stamina and all the rest that is important to you. Core values and qualities that include love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self control. Thank you, God, for leaders like these and now, bless them for all that is ahead. I humbly pray. Hey, man. Thank you, Chaplain Car and thank you. Senior Airman Danielle de of from the Air Force Academy Band and Miss Clara Pride from the Space and Missile Defense Command. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. We’re honored to have a number of distinguished guests with us today. Please hold your applause until all have been recognized. Who says Don O Shaughnessy, spouse of General O Shaughnessy and their son, sama Schamus E Mrs Maryland Van Herck, spouse of General Van Herk. Mrs Molly Scott, daughter of General and Mrs Van Her and their grandson, Theodore. Dave and Danielle Straighter Command chief Kenny Lindsay, retired United States Air Force and his spouse Angie. Mrs Leah Esper, spouse of the Secretary of Defense. SEAQ Ramon Cologne Lopez, senior adviser, senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General J. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force and Commander United States Space Command and his spouse Molly General James Dickinson, Deputy Commander, United States Space Command, and his spouse, Angie General Gene Renuart, retired United States Air Force and his spouse Jill. Mr Don Addy and his spouse Susan, representing representing Senator Cory Gardner, Mr Andy Merit and Miss Akiba Abdel. All the O Shaughnessy’s and the Van Hurts are honored to have so many esteemed guests attend today’s ceremonies. We welcome all of you senior leaders, active and retired general and flag officers, senior executive service, community leaders, interagency partners, commanders, directors, senior enlisted leaders, family and friends. Thank you for coming. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce the United States Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Mark T. Esper. Well, good morning, everyone. What a wonderful day out here in Colorado. It’s great to be back in Colorado Springs with all of you once again as well. I want to thank you for joining us today on this important occasion as we celebrate the distinguished career General Terrence O Shaughnessy and welcome General Glenn Van Herck as the next commander of United States Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command we’re thrilled to have with us. Members of General Shaughnessy’s family, including his wife, Donna, and son Sam, were also honored to welcome the family of General Van Herck, including his wife, Maryland. His daughter Molly. And his grandson, Theo. Welcome, thank you all for being here today. I’d also like to thank the Canadian minister National Offense RG se Jin, the Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance and the chairman, the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, for their continued leadership and support of North Com and NORAD, our warfighting and homeland defense commands. Let me begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to General Shaughnessy for a lifetime of exceptional service and leadership and by extending my personal welcome to General Van Herck as he steps up to lead three critical missions guarding the air and maritime approaches to North America, defending the homeland from threats posed by adversaries and supporting civil authorities. For more than 60 years, the men and women of NORAD have remained vigilant as the sentinels for the United States and Canada, the only two NATO members with a shared by national command. Through Newark NORAD, we share aerospace and maritime warning and aerospace control defense missions over our homelands, working side by side each and every day to secure our skies and seas to defend the Arctic and to deepen our security relationship. Likewise, for nearly 18 years, the hard working patriots of North com have deterred, detected and been prepared to defeat land, cyber and maritime threats to the United States while also ensuring that were never late to need with timely and extensive efforts to alleviate human suffering in the aftermath of natural disasters this year that has included our nation’s fight against the Corona virus pandemic. Under General Shaughnessy’s leadership, this command has faithfully answered the nation’s call from repatriating and housing 2000 American evacuees from Wuhan, China, in the early days of the outbreak in January to supporting FEMA’s response actions across all 10 FEMA regions and deploying 12,000 personnel around the country in support of civilian medical systems. Since the earliest days of the pandemic are uniformed, medical personnel have provided relief the countless communities through their hard work in alternative care facilities, two Navy hospital ships and by augmenting civilian medical professionals in hot spots around the country. In fact, I was told that the CEO of one the hospitals you supported journal, Shaughnessy said You were the night miracle we needed when we need it most. What a powerful recognition of your impact. North calms Extraordinary Cove in 19 Response also supported your broader homeland defense mission in this era of great power competition, marked by the growing threats and capabilities of revisionist powers and the malign activities of rogue regimes throughout his tenure, General Shaughnessy steadfast commitment to the national defense strategy has made our nation safer at a time when our homeland is at risk in ways never before seen. He called attention to the critical technologies changing the security environment and identified gaps in our readiness. He highlighted the importance of protecting our military advantages over our competitors and oversaw the modernization of our strategic homeland integrated ecosystem for layer defense or shield concept. He accelerated our joint all domain Commanding Control, or Jad, see to efforts for homeland defense, and led to demonstrations of this ability to share sensor and shooter data across the joint force. And he led the planning and execution of more than $175 million and engagements, training equipment and exercises with Mexico and the Bahamas, strengthening our military relationships with close partners in advancing a vital line of effort under the National Defense Strategy Moreover, General Shaughnessy’s leadership posture door at for the effective intercept of more than 20 Russian aircraft in our Arctic approaches and ready both commands to confront any escalation the North Korean strategic missile launch activity. In short, journalist Shaughnessy is expertly Ned North common NORAD and executing a no fail mission despite countless other challenges demanding his attention. And in doing so, he has prepared the men and women of these commands to deter and defeat the threats of tomorrow. Thank you, General Shaughnessy shags for more than 34 years of exceptional service to our great nation and thanks to your wife and family for standing with you every step of the way. Today, we’re also honored to pass the torch to another highly qualified leader, General Glenn Van Herck. General Van Herck proved his prowess early on. Is a young aviator, an Air Force weapons officer logging thousands of hours and fighter aircraft such as the F 15 in the F 35 and bomber aircraft such as the B one and B two. Even more impressive, however, is his demonstrated acumen as a warrior leader, having commanded a weapon squadron, a training operations group two bomber wings and notably the United States Air Force Warfare Center, a premier institution that prepares our nation’s warfighters and advances our capabilities for a high end, multi domain fight. In 2017 General Van Herck came to the Pentagon to serve on the joint staff and spent the last year as its director. In this role, he, too, has been responsible supporting the implementation of the national defense strategy and protecting our military strategic advantages. Moreover, he has a keen understanding of the nature of today’s threats and the importance of greater investment to advance our capabilities and make tangible strides toward decision superiority, which puts us ahead of our adversaries at every single turn. He is committed to ensuring North common NORAD lead the way and preparing our military across every domain. I’m confident that General Van Herck will build upon General O Shaughnessy’s successes to advance the homeland defense mission while inspiring and leading the men and women of these two great commands. Given his well known reputation for taking care of his people in developing the next generation of leaders, I know General Van Herck will continue to do so. Law fostering a culture of ethical behavior and upholding the core values that define and drive the United States armed forces. Glenn Lee and I are excited to watch you and Maryland lead North common NORAD to even greater success in the years ahead. I like to close by thanking the community of Colorado Springs for its many contributions to the department defense mission, both by hosting these commands and other installations and by supporting all the personnel who works so hard here to ensure the United States military remains second to none. Our homeland remains a bastion of freedom and prosperity because of their steadfast commitment to supporting and defending the Constitution and making sure our military remains America’s most trusted institution. When it comes to our safety and security in times of crisis, the American people turn to the men and women of NORAD and North com who stand ready at Freedom’s frontier. It is because of your selfless service and unyielding vigilance that our fellow Americans concisely peacefully at night. General Shaughnessy, thank you once again in the General Van Herck. I look forward to continue working closely with you in this new role and to all of our NORAD and North Com personnel our defenders against those who would do us harm. Know that the Department defense is grateful for the skill and dedication and professionalism with which you answer every single call. America is safer because you have the watch. Thank you, Ladies and gentlemen, the our noble hearted faction. Minister of National Defense. Thank you, Secretary s. But General Milley, General bands, you know Shaughnessy, Caroline her Raymond, members of the U. S. And Canada on forces. Ladies and gentlemen, today is a special day for both our countries and our financial command. I wish I could have enjoyed the beautiful scenery of called Rock Springs with you, but the current cool that environment has prevented me from being there to acknowledge this important moment and participate in that France for command, from one talented leader to another can. The US partnership is unparalleled in its long activity, and it’s impressive levels of integration and cooperation. Canadians have stood shoulder to shoulder with our American friends and our allies throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Yes, good as allies, which is a Normandy, and you count meals during the Second World War on the Korean Peninsula and the mountains of Afghanistan, and we continue our cooperation together working as partners in NATO and in our fight against my ass in Iraq. But nowhere is our cooperation more evident than in the decades that we have kept a watchful eye across North America, projecting both Americans and Canadians against threats. NORAD’s unique joint command between Canada, United States truly show the deep and special defense relationship that our two nations enjoy. As you yourself said Gentlemen, her NORAD has served at Foundation for the Defense of North America and is a clear symbol of the unbreakable bond between the United States in Canada. And I couldn’t agree more. It takes special skill stamina. It’s reaching vision to be able and entrusted to command both North com and are unique financial organization. Norac. So I’m grateful to you, General O Shaughnessy and the thousands of skilled black members across the continent, thank you for your role in cementing the bonds were hoping to advance our shared priorities. And we have many from our commitment to modernizing NORAD, toe our collaboration on finding innovative solutions to challenges like Arctic surveillance, and that America have worked together to build and maintain the rules based international order and just last month said prepared. And I discussed some of the priorities when we spoke about the Department of the Air Force salute Arctic strategy in Canada, US Arctic cooperation more broadly, and Secretary Esper and I mean in regular communication to ensure that we continue to build on the unique relationship candidate United States have as allies, partners. But more importantly, as friends, I look forward to working together and building on the excellent work that General Shaughnessy has overseen or the last two years. All of us know that we have to do our part, and that is why our government created can this first, fully costed and fully funded defence policy strong security, engaged and through what we committed to building a Canadian armed forces that is strong at home, helps secure North America and that is engaged in the world. That level of commitment is why we are making significant investments to protect both our countries, whether through our building over 15 new Canadian surface combatants to protect native waters, idiot, you fight against to meet the NORAD and NATO commitment simultaneously, or six Arctic offshore patrol vessels continue and extend Candace reach into our shared Arctic waters. We’re building a modern, diverse, well equipped in your own forces that will serve alongside our friends and allies against all threats. We know that there will be more challenges in future. For example, we know that we will have to look to operating in challenging locations such as the Arctic. And that’s why canvass all the mean situational awareness signs that technology program is supporting Cutting edge research and development will enhance domain awareness of Air America on surface and subsurface approaches to our countries, particularly in the North. Article Innovation and investment. But van solutions for all domain surveillance, and we’ll have a significant impact well into the future. DSC will help us overcome challenges like using over the horizon radar in extreme Northern Alstyne. It will help me and forth North North America’s Arctic sovereignty and a four greener overall awareness and safety and security issues in northern remote locations, all while contributing writer modernization. And we recognize that the red environment means that geography no longer provides protection it once did, and more robust approach will be needed to defend Canada and North Americans, insure our continued resilience in the face of future challenges and threats. But we know that by working together that we can and we will succeed. Have you seen this through generalised honesty’s extraordinary work here at Nora and General? Then Hurt will no doubt be driven by the same enthusiasm and collaborative mindset as he takes up the torch. Joe Shaughnessy. Thank you once again for all your gun to champion our collective causes and protect our citizens. And congratulations on your well earned retirement. No, but her Congratulations on your promotion. It is a testament to your proven abilities and recognition of everyone’s confidence in you. And by the way, my nine year old son, when he found out your, uh, that you flew the B two stealth bomber, he was so excited. So you are his hero under your leadership, nor and will continue to evolve into the organization that needs to be to meet the challenges of the modern security environment for the next 30 years and beyond, and in closing funny Generation Z as a parting token of my thanks for your service. I’ve asked general plans to present to you a hockey stick from not only my favorite team but the best and XLT in the bank of reconnects, and it’s signed by all of the bank of reconnects players. And as you would know that there’s no way I’m gonna give you any token from Boston Bruins or from Las Vegas. Okay, so once again, thank you very much. It is a tremendous bond that you have created with Canada and have General Vance present that stick to thank you, ladies and gentlemen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark A Millie. That’s pretty cool. Toe. Get a goalie stick from Minister of Canada. I gotta tell you, she exits. That’s government property, by the way. So we may have to confiscate that Secretary will invoke the powers of the secretary defense that would be in the Pentagon here shortly. So just take a good look at it. Take a quick instant photo. But, hey, thanks to everybody for being here. It’s a great day, and I wanna especially thank Secretary Aspirin Minister Sir John for those remarks. Appreciate that, and also to General Vance has been a good friend of mine for a long time and has been the shot up in Canada for going on I think it’s five plus six years. I guess now, right? Eso thanks to you, John, for doing what you’re doing also, but more than the distinguished ministers and secretaries, we have a lot of generals and sergeant majors. Thank you all as well, but most of all, thank you to the families led by Lee Esper, right over here, who represents the families of 2.3 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines in the United States military and also represented by the great family of the Shaughnessy’s. On Also the van hurt. So thank you. And thanks to all the families that are out there serving and sacrificing for our nation and for the Canadian nation as well for minutes of Sir John and John John Vance in advance, you’ve both led Canada’s armed forces for quite some time now, and your nation and our nation has fought side by side. As the minister said, since World War One, through World War Two in Normandy and and on up until the present day on, we have had the honor of fighting alongside your airman and your special operations forces in your infantry in Afghanistan. On you, one of the very first nations to go in there with us following 911 Those days are never for gotten in. The purpose of why we went into Afghanistan and 911 shortly after 911 has everything to do with North. Com NORAD It has everything to do with the shared responsibility of defending our homeland. And I want to especially thank Shags O’Shaughnessy for leading the most important command in the United States military that does the most important mission, which is defend the homeland of North America. So, shags, thank you thanks to your family for your years of service. You’ve been remarkable at it, and I want to thank you and all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines within North Com nor Ed for doing your duty and never failing on a single time. Have you failed? Whether it’s homeland defense, whether it’s Russian bombers, Russian subs, whether it’s hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, you name it. Civil unrest Jags, you on the team have been there repeatedly, and I can’t tell you how important that is. It is also true that Shags comes from the Holy Land of Boston, Massachusetts, born in Canada but got to Boston as soon as he could, and he played hockey, as you all heard at a small school. Now Staggs was a goalie in hockey. Um, and I know he just got a goalie stick, but there’s a reason he’s not in the NHL. He went to the Air Force Academy and he was the star goalie at Air Force and he went, Oh, and eight against Army. I’m sorry. Eight. No, and I say OK, now Sands is a great goalie, but more than me, Nicolay shags, confidence and command has been tremendous. The secretary of defense rattled off some of the accomplishments that Shags did while in command, and and I won’t repeat those. But in addition to those hard and fast accomplishments that North com nor did while under commander shags Shags demonstrated tremendous character the entire time. He always in meeting after meeting hey, spoke truth to power, being myself for the secretary of fans of the president of states, he never pulled any punches, who’s always honest and candid and some very difficult and complex situations for so shags, for your competence and for your character. I want to thank you once more and one final time before retirement on just doing unbelievably great job here in a very, very tough command and probably the most important command this country has. So thank you. Shake for all you’ve done and and I wanna also welcome the van hurts. I got to know Len Van Hurt General Van Herk, who we just promoted to four stars a few minutes ago. I got to know him when I became the chairman. And this, like Shags, is a man of tremendous competence, an incredible character. And we saw that the secretary and I saw that up close and personal for the entire year that we’ve just on through, which has clearly been one of high adventure eso. He was the director of the joint staff. In an addition of that, he’s an incredibly accomplished Air Force officers flown in all the different types of graphite. Excuse me, fighters and bombers all over the world in peace and combat on. And I can tell you that Glenn Van Herck is one singular, competent individual to take command of north com, Nor it. So thank you for your levels of competence and character that have brought you to this level. This Command is really not about shags O’Shaughnessy. It’s really not about Len Van Hurt. It’s really not about a secretary defense of the chairman. It’s really not about a minister defense or the charge. John Vance. It’s really about the people of the United States of America, the people of Canada. It’s really about defending our countries against all enemies, that foreign and domestic. And I can tell you this command, it’s a no fail mission at any time. This command can never fail, and I have never been more proud than I am now and more humbled to be in front of everybody here and those that aren’t here that are watching on TV to take on opportunity to say Congratulations, shags on a job well done and congratulations blend to you for the job you’re about to do in an extremely challenging and complex command. Well done to both of you. Thank you very much. And God bless America. Ladies and gentlemen, the chief of defence staff, Canadian Armed Forces General Jonathan H. Vance. Well, it’s hard to follow Mark Milley and the Secretary, but I’m gonna do my very best to all of you to my minister minister said Jan, uh, Mr Secretary. And your wife, uh, Mark to you. Thank you. We are friends. Ah, a little known fact. He draws all of his martial strength from his roots in Newfoundland, Canada. Just another example of how integrated our countries actually are in the military site. Uh, Teoh, you shags journalist Shaughnessy and Donna, your family. Great. It’s always great to see you coming down here. This is my third change of command down here, And, uh, I’ve always been treated very well. I know the command is in good hands and has been in good hands, and it’s gonna be a good hands going forward. We’re going rather close, actually done a lot of great work together, Shags and, uh, use a few nice things about you here. But I just want, you know, everything that Mark said is true. You’re a hell of an officer. The Journal. Van Herck. Tomorrow in the Glen. Welcome aboard. It’s gonna be a great scene. You get to know this command and seeing an acting upon the very necessary and important stuff. The German. We just talked about the no failed mission. This is it. Bar none. T J good to see you will be there for your your ceremony. But it’s great to see you. And thanks for being here. The Journal, Pell J and my journal Officers. I see Scott Clancy in the crowd. There’s somewhere new to the team here. Uh, sure, you, Glenn, that we’ve put quality people down here in your headquarters to all nor out of north com members here today to command stars Major and all of you, You do great work. And I’m happy to see you here and to our family and friends. And I say family I mean it. I spoke with the 60th anniversary NORAD a couple years ago, and I’m gonna tell you it’s all about family where you come from, a common history right now. Aviators from our two nations, they’re exercising their response to potential airborne threats in the Arctic during exercise amalgam dark. Meanwhile, Operation Nanook is wrapping up in eastern Arctic ships from Canada, the United States, France and Denmark sailed together to increase maritime domain awareness and test our ability to operate and challenging environments. Our strength and these exercises and in our operations around the world stems from the incredible closeness of our partnership and our ability to seamlessly operate to deliver missions together successfully. And that comes from, or than just technical interoperability that comes from the relationship between our two countries and the people who fight and stand for Those two countries were neighbors were allies. We’re friends and we’re family. Thankfully, those families were tied together as families, inextricably and thankfully tied together as families in a common cause. The defense of North America. This incredible. So we’re deeply committed to the share defense of this continent and for the common cause and protecting our way of life. NORAD success for more than 60 years has been built on a foundation of mutual trust, mutual benefit, a mutual respect for the sovereignty of our nation’s General Shaughnessy. I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on all that you have accomplished, Commander nor Commander NORAD in us north. You have been a tireless advocate for a strong, resilient, well equipped and modern NORAD. You’ve been a champion for that, and a fire team partner for me is I’ve done the same accountable. You have strengthened our public’s understanding of the strategic threats that we face and the vital role that no ride plays. In doing so, you set the conditions for success in the future. Your steadfast leadership has been all the more notable given the circumstances under which all of the strategic planning played out. Numerous factors have converged and rendered the defence and security of North America and increasingly complex in critical task. Natural disasters. The pandemic. Increasing frequency of intrusions into the defense identification zones with six intercepts in June alone, more advanced conventional missile threats, Arctic ambitions from strategic competitors. And add to that the reality that the space, cyber and information domains are further neutralizing the security that our geography once provided. Under your leadership, the dedicated members of NORAD north comma stood ready to detect, deter and, if necessary, defeat. Those Pando main threats. The defense and security of North America is our primordial role. As the chairman and secretary said. Every day, every day, NORAD members take on this profound responsibility with duty, honor, integrity and courage from the command center staff to monitor and respond to incidences, incidents day and night. The pilots who watch over us the skilled technicians and maintain the vital equipment and everyone in between NORAD members keep our fellow citizens safe, do you? And to them, Jags, our nations owe a great debt of gratitude and demonstrate that gratitude. I wish to announce today that you have been awarded the meritorious service cross by Canada, and you will be invested into the order. Ah, invested and invited to Ottawa to receive a decoration and of the governor General in the future. Uh, future moment. Congratulations. I wish you shags Donna. Your family. Good health happiness. Plenty of hockey in your retirement on. I hope that you enjoy quality time in all that you do The Journal. Van Herck, Maryland. Glenn, Congratulations on your promotion. It’s a big day. And on your appointment to this prestigious and important post a secretary Esper so well articulated your operational strategic experiences make you exceptionally well suited to meet the challenges of this role and anybody that can do. The director, The joint staff for three years, you know, deserves this sort of like a long time to be the director. And he did a great job at a tough time. Great power competition. It’s global in nature and will continue to persist. Adversaries will try to disrupt our unity and our will to fight. But together, our nations stand resolved to modernize NORAD so that it remains highly capable of deterring and defeating threats to North America. Our nations will be guarded by NORAD that is technically advanced, resilient, agile and completely improbable. And that’s your job. You will carry on with a tremendous momentum for your predecessor and look forward to seeing all that you and your dedicated team accomplished to all of you. Here. Thank you very much for attending Mr Secretary. Chairman Jag’s Best of luck, Glenn to you. You have the watch feel. Windhoek, Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to introduce General Terrence J of Shaughnessy, Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command. Well, good morning, everybody. As I keep talking, I get to stay in command. So you guys might be here for a while. Ways and gentlemen, Distinguished Gas and leaders from United States from Canada, the men and women of U S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. Thank you for your presence here today, whether it’s virtual actual and special, thanks to all those who made this time honored tradition possible despite the challenges of the covert environment, and I sort of like to thank Start by, thank you, President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau for entrusting me with the command of the two remarkable organizations that are directly responsible for the defense of our great nations and Secretary Esther Minister, said Gen. Chairman Millie General Vance, Thank you for your inspiring words and exceptional leadership. And most importantly, for my time and command, I sincerely appreciate the clear guidance coupled with the freedom of maneuver Xscape the nation. So thank you and then TJ and Molly Raymond. Thanks for being great neighbors and even better friends. And it means so much to having part of ceremony today, both as a shared ceremony, possibly unprecedented. I’m not sure between North com, NORAD and Space Command truly honored that we’re doing these together today and then thank you for presiding over the retirement. And J. Your leadership is both the space com commander and now is the US Space Force chief of space operation. That’s really cool. I just like saying that Chief of space operations has been nothing short of magnificent as you eat the department defense space efforts at an absolutely critical time to our nation, and it’s literally historic. And also congrats. The Jim Dickinson who very shortly will build on the strong foundation that J. Raymond has left you. And I know you’re gonna go bring that team to even greater heights. And I also like to thank my leadership team right here in North common NORAD for their constant support and council. Starting with Sergeant Major, Paul McKenna has been a strong partner from the very first day I took command by Saddle Mike Demon, who arrived as we started the Southwest border mission has been amazing partners, absolutely instrumental to the success of us North com and, of course, for data Pelkey a who’s taken over for Christopher Coates and continues that strong leadership on the NORAD side. When I arrived here in 2018 the National Defense Strategy and Canada’s defence policy strong, secure, engaged just recently been released and it was clear that we need to rethink how we thought about homeland defense and continental defense. So from day one, I charged the force to transform, and us North com and Nora teams responded. Over the past 2.5 years, these commands fundamentally and irreversibly transformed in accordance with the NDS and strong shear engaged guidance. And we’ve influenced both the department offense in the ministry defense and how they think about home in defence and continental fence. And this team demonstrated a clear ability to protect our sovereign territory, responded catastrophic events, maintained global power projection and guarantee to persistent readiness to defeat an attack on the homelands as his throughout our 62 year history, with our binational NORAD command and the partnership between United States and Canada that continues to grow in of all to address 21st century threats, our alliance was Ford’s and tested through adversity is continuously succeeded because of our mutual collaboration. And as a Canadian born but US officer with family residing in both nations, it’s been quite an honor leading the NORAD by national team in defending both our nations and all of our families and the threats arrayed against our nation’s greater now than they’ve been since the end of the Cold War. We’ve seen the emergence of a new great power competition with China and Russia and increasingly aggressive Iran, an unpredictable North Korea and violent extremist organizations that seek to disrupt our very way of life, and our whole man is no longer sanctuary. And we’ve taken aggressive steps both with North common or an to ensure ability to defend ourselves. And this makes our Syrian motto if we have the watch more important than ever and we have the watch when resurgent Russia tests our commitment with long range aviation and Kirsten’s indoor air defense identification zones, or when submarines, ships and Intel collection vessels sail off our coast when two terms demands that we actively demonstrate the ability to detect and ultimate defeat these threats. And we have the watch when advanced advancements and ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons adversary, long range conventional missions and the platforms that carry them demand we develop new digital age defense capabilities and build upon our continental defense layer defense. United States and Canada are investing in Holman defense are validated. A whole man and defense design is increasing our competitive advantage and ability to defend against these advancing threats from NORAD modernization toe understanding how we can better integrate homeland defense and global campaign plans were increasing domain awareness and join all domain commanding control capability from the depths of the ocean all the way to space. Repairing sensors to defeat mechanisms with the shield, our strategic home, an integrated ecosystem for layer defense. And we’re reinforcing the importance of the Arctic, routinely exercising our capabilities through events like Arctic age and moving aircraft north to practice routine operations from Goose Bay and Tooley before its new relationships with critical civilian partners. This is Julie Kicker in the Alaskan Federation of Natives, and we’re working with the connective tissue within and outside our ER by dynamically employing our forces, such as when the Harry S. Truman Carry strike group sailed off the coast of Know this ghost on the North. Com Commanding Control and practiced combined operations with the Canadian Navy with the U. S and Canadian NORAD forces and with space com Transcom and Stratcom all simultaneously. But more must be done and all. We’ve made great progress in great strides improving homeland defense these past 2.5 years. We have more to be done, and the team is postured for that. And with industries help, we’re accelerating the development of innovative technologies to improve home in defense. Instead of mandating the specific requirements were bringing industry in to understand what our challenges actually are and giving them the flexibility determine how can they best contribute to solving these very complex problems? And almost six months ago, on a plane back from Colorado, Chairman Millie gave me a call and said, The US North com is gonna be the lead for the department’s operational Kobe to response in the duty covert respond campaign. Save literally Hundreds of lives of Americans were there when our nation needed us, just like will be there during any crisis for our nation, including an attack on the homeland. And the robust response from these commands is one that I could not have been more proud of, especially because of our ability to keep the watch and maintain constant mission assurance for a home and defense missions simultaneously and in our cove. In response, we also saw a need to adapt how we conducted our daily business in order to command a deployed force, ensure capabilities were available ahead of me. We brought our jazzy to efforts in collaboration with industry into our covert response. This now presents an opportunity to take these lessons learnt and fold them back into a broader homeland. Defense efforts in order, better defend our nation’s. And while my own watching actively service will come to an end a few moments, I’m leaving us North Common or Red General Van Hurts and Glenn’s very capable hands gland You in Maryland are backed by a phenomenal team, and I’m certainly excited to see the continued focus of homeland defense under your leadership. And I began my military air just right right here in car spins in 1982 right at the Academy. Where is a 17 year old kid? I raised my hand. It’s war. Defend my country against all enemies. Foreign domestic, the opportunity to lead us North Karma Command explicit, explicitly charged command with that defense in the same incredibly supportive city of Colorado Springs, where it all began and pay homage to my Canadian heritage is through. NORAD is truly special as a born uniform now, for almost four decades since arrived at the cabin e quite literally been over the global on every continent but no Mrs more sacred than what we have here at the home and defense commands. And what a perfect, absolutely perfect way to culminate my career. And what an honor. True has been to command here, but that endeavor would not have been possible without my family. So for Don and Sam, thank you very much for enabling us and I look forward to spending more time with. And while the list is too long to thank everyone who has impacted me over the years, I am grateful, indebted to all of you. We’re also grateful for the amazing friendships we developed over the years with so many amazing families that will certainly continue as we transition to retirement. They’re represented by the Fantine Ease famine and who I see here. If you would stand up, what’s that? They just retired couple Let’s go, unable to have a ceremony after decades and decades of service and and was even able to join our team here during the cove in and brought her skill set here, and they were unable to have a ceremony. But congratulations. So I’m truly thankful for their quite literally thousands of American to Canadian soldiers, sales airman’s rings and guardians even of Coast Guardsman service civilians and the families who have shared the watch, not just here but around the globe. And it’s been an absolute honor defend our nation’s alongside all of you the past three plus decades. And I leave here with confidence in those that will continue to watch. I’m looking forward to sleeping well at night. Something I haven’t done about 2.5 years with the stupid phone ringing. But I know I’m gonna sleep well now because I know North Com in NORAD has a watch. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Will now commence the change of command ceremonies. General Vance is the presiding official for the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Change of Command and will now symbolically execute the passing of the nor red flag from General O Shaughnessy to General Van Herck. Leading with the colors will be Sergeant Major Paul McKenna, NORAD and US North Com Command Senior Enlisted Leader, General Vance, General O Shaughnessy and General Van Hurt. Gentlemen, please take center stage by direction of the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada, General Terrence J. O Shaughnessy relinquishes command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Effective 20 August 2020. General Glenn de Van Herck is directed to assume command of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Effective 20 August 2020. General Vance, sir, you may return to your seat. The presiding official for the United States Northern Change of Command is the honorable Mark T. Esper, who will now symbolically execute the passing of the US North com flank from General O Shaughnessy to General Van Herck. Mr. Secretary, you’re already up there by direction of the President of the United States. General Terrence J. O Shaughnessy relinquishes command of the United States Northern Command, Effective 20 August 2020. General Glenn de Van Herck is directed to assume command of the United States Northern Command, Effective 20 August 2020 Mr Secretary and Jenny General O Shaughnessy, You may return to your seats. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct privilege to introduce General Glenn De Van Herck, Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Northern Command. Well, good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I can’t tell you how much of a tremendous honor it is to be here with you today. Standing here is the commander of the United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. You know, when I take command and I’ve had the privilege to do it now. Six times. I like to just pause and reflect for just a moment because you never know if you get the opportunity. Tohave this to you again. Command is so special in to be entrusted with command at any level is a privilege to our members of Congress. State local officials are local civic leaders, former commanders to our North, Com and NORAD teams and family and friends. Whether you’re here with us in person today, are you watching on the live feed? Maryland. I thank you for sharing this special moment with us, Mr Secretary. Chairman. Thank you both for the trust to confidence that you’ve shown I look forward to continuing to work with each of you as a department continues to implement the national defense strategy and ensures the homeland is defended. I also want to thank, say thanks to Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Defense Sajjan and the chief of the Defence Staff for Canada, General Jonathan Vance, for their support, confidence and trust. I look forward to working with you, your staffs as no ride continues to defend America North America, just as we have for more than 62 years I must also thank Air Force Secretary Barrett, Chief of staff of the Air Force number 21 Dave Goldfein, Chief of staff of the Air Force number 22 CQ brown for their support over many, many years. And, of course, I must thank the President United States, for his special trust and confidence as well. General O Shaughnessy, I know this Command and the Joint Forces strong because of your leadership and your relentless pursuit of excellence. Heartfelt. Thank you to you, Donna and Sam. For your support, the warm welcome here and for easing the transition for Maryland. I we wish you all the best in retirement. Godspeed to you and your family. And thank you for more than 34 years of service. I want to say a special thanks to the men and women that plan organized and that are executing the ceremony. The honor guard. So we special to watch them come in beautiful renditions of both the Canadian anthem in the United States of America. National anthem Chaplain Thank you so much as well. Also, Colonel Ed Garland, who planned this and Miss Vicki Smith from Protocol PLC’s for putting this event together they just don’t happen. Thank you, Maryland. I are extremely grateful for all that you’ve done to make this day special. Finally, congrats to my confirmation hearing. Teammate, good friend General Jim Dickinson and his bride Angie and the space Come Team Maryland. I absolutely look forward to our partnership with you and friendship in the coming years. You know, the past three years on the joint staff have been a leadership laboratory, the privilege to serve with some of our nation’s finest during that time, as we’ve navigated what is undoubtedly the most challenging national security environment in my nearly 33 years of service. Besides Chairman Millie, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working for some incredible leaders, including Chairman 19 Gerald Joe Dunford. Every might Gil Day now to see, you know General Frank McKinsey and General Rich Clark all directly. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve with each of those. There are many, many others, some here and some watching that have contributed to making this day possible, but there’s not enough time to thank each one of them today. Please know that Maryland, I sincerely appreciate your mentoring over more than three decades. And your support? No. My parents set the foundation that has carried me for the past 33 years that I’ve been honored and privileged to serve in the United States Air Force. The basics of leadership, our core values, dignity and respect. And that the institution that we serve and the Constitution that we swear to defend is what matters most. I know they’re looking down today incredibly proud. Maryland. Our journey continues. Thank you for your love and support. I’ve known Maryland since she was in the second grade. We’ve been married for 32 years. This is moved number 20. You’re my best friend. Wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and the best teammate that anybody could have together. We’ve raised a beautiful daughter, Molly, and we welcomed her husband. Navy Lieutenant Taylor Scott. Ah, he couldn’t be with us here today. And our grandson Theodore, back in the corner, occupying time for folks back there. And we have another grandson on the way in Mali. I couldn’t be more proud of you and your family. Thank you for your continued service. You knew what you were getting into while I stand here today with this incredible opportunity to lead the men and women of North Common Nor Ed. I know that is even greater responsibility. Be entrusted with our nation’s most sacred mission. Defense of the homeland and entrusted with his most precious resource. The soldiers, sailors, Airman, Marines, Coast Guard, Zeman’s space professionals. I guess guardians now Not yet. Okay, I got that. Civilians and their families. Maryland. I are incredibly humbled to serve alongside you and proud to join this incredible team. Thank you for the warm welcome with afford to getting to know each of you. Today. We face ever growing threats to North America and our homelands, threats from actors across all domains. The threat is very real, and it’s here right now. The national defense strategy will guide us as we execute our nation’s most sacred mission defending the homeland while also providing defense support of civil authorities. We will accomplish today’s mission efficiently, effectively, safely with an eye towards tomorrow’s mission and the requirements and capabilities necessary for the future. We will do that while taking care of our people and families, creating an environment that is healthy and fun, where each of us can grow to our fullest potential will accomplish all of this while we developed leaders and continue to grow those to follow in our footsteps again. I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve our joint force in our nation. Maryland. I thank you for your presence today and your warm welcome and support. We look forward to serving with each of you. May God bless each of you, the United States of America and Canada. Thank you very much. In lieu of flowers, the men and women of NORAD and US North Com would like to welcome this Maryland Van Herck with a donation to the Air Force Assistance Fund in her name, General Milling. And General Shaughnessy, would you please take center stage for the awards presentation? Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as General Milley presents the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General O’Shaughnessy. Attention to orders. General Terrence J. O Shaughnessy, United States Air Force distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command from May 2018 to September 2020. During this period General of Shauna, she challenged the commands to look beyond traditional approaches and customary missions and address evolving adversary actions, capabilities and intense. Throughout his tenure, General Shaughnessy established clear strategic vision, focus and priorities, inspired consistent operational and organizational excellence, and provided exceptional hands on leadership not only for his to headquarters and subordinate commands, but also in support of the men’s. The commands many international inter agency, non governmental organization, state, local and private sector partners. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the capabilities of Canada and the United States defend the homelands from emerging threats from peer competitors, rogue nations and non state actors. General O Shaughnessy’s vision and efforts resulted in the advancement of the joint all demand commanding control, an advanced battle management system initiatives, thes technologies provided real time information to decision makers during the Department of Defense campaign. In response to the Corona 19 pandemic, his advocate advocacy for homeland defense requirements achieved the redirection of $1.4 billion improving the security of the nation for years to come. The distinctive accomplishments of General O’Shaughnessy culminated a long and distinguished career in the service of his country on reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense. Mrs. O Shaughnessy, would you please join General Milley and General of Shaughnessy on stage? Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing as General Milley presents the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Surgery Service to Mrs Donna O’Shaughnessy. Attention to orders. Mrs. Donna O. Shaughnessy is recognized for distinguished public service to the Department of Defense in a succession of voluntary initiatives to service members and families of the United States Armed Forces from 1 July 2016 to 4 August 2020. During this period, Mrs O Shaughnessy’s patriotism and sincere personal involvement in the welfare service members and their families earned her profound respect from the military community. An ambassador of goodwill and an example for military spouses, she had significant, lasting and positive impact on the quality of life for military families. Her presence and support throughout countless domestic and international cedar leader engagements exhibited total devotion and commitment to our nation, service members, civilians and families. An effective advocate for the military community, she exemplified the values of patriotism, citizenship, selfless service and personal self sacrifice. The distinctive accomplishments of Mrs O Shaughnessy are in keeping with the finest traditions of public service and reflect great credit upon herself and the Department of Defense. General Milley General and Mrs O Shaughnessy. You may now take your seats. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Now we transition to the retirement portion of the ceremony in honor of General O’Shaughnessy. Ladies and gentlemen, General John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, United States Spaceports and Commander United States Space Command. Well, good morning, Secretary Chairman Joe Vance. Shags Glen, What a what a great day. I tell you, it’s always good to be back in Colorado Springs The spectacular day. And I don’t think we could cram more into one morning than we’ve done today. We’ve had 24 star promotions, change of command, one more change of command to go, and now retirement. And so what I want to make sure is that this ceremony isn’t lost. The significance of this ceremony isn’t lost in the midst of all the other ceremonies. This is really important. Today. We’re going to retire General Terrence J. O Shaughnessy, TJ or Shags. After 34 years of distinguished service to our nation, we’re going to recognize this service and the service of his wife Donna and their son Sam Shags first let me say thank you for the distinct honor of participating. Today I have officiated numerous ceremonies. I’ve been in numerous ceremonies in this hangar, but never have I had the privilege of retiring someone I hold in such high regard someone that has contributed so much to the security, not just of our great nation but to North America, someone that has had the vision to see the changing security environment to clearly articulate an imperative for change. And then to implement that change far beyond the organization that you are leading and someone who I consider my best friend. The first time I met Shags, I was in a wing commander’s course. He was the wing commander at Misawa Air Base in Japan. I was taking over the wing here in Peterson, and I remember thinking to myself, and that guy’s really sharp. He’s impressive and I needed up my game. We also served his numbered Air Force commanders together, he in Korea and I in California. But it wasn’t until we served his match together that we really got to know, and then I got to become really difference four or five times a year, the air Force four stars get together in conferences, kroner match com commanders conferences for based on data ring or whatever we always set and I will tell you Shaggs was always most strategic thinker in the room. But I found that we shared very similar views and common ideas on how to arrest the challenges that we face, and I and I believe we formed a great partnership personally. However, two years ago, Molly and I won the lottery when Jack, Donna, Sam next door and both at work read North Common and at home Harding. There’s good a shack. This he’s really good. Don and Sam are way better. Donna grew up as an Air Force dependent mitt shags while while he was attending Pilot. They’ve been married for 31 years. Moved over 20 times. It’s been nearly half of that time. Kokonas Donald. We can’t thank you enough for all they have done to support our chairman of the Joint force in their families. However, we’re even more thankful to call your friends and what you did for us as neighbors, I could tell you that I know many this when you get to this level would be a little lonely and have have neighbors that you could sit on the back yard talk share experience together. Thanks for always writing. Thanks for making making. Now to see him exam is an incredible young man. He’s wasted. He’s going into the eighth grade. It will be in the seventh, is the smartest kid in the class. He’s the smartest guy. Harder I got. He doesn’t adaptive manufacturing is better and does coding. He’s a talented magician, still trying to figure out how you did this trip basketball star and a good friend of many. Sam, we wish you all the best. And if I could do a little early recruiting, I’ll give you a contract. Come into the space force as soon as this we need sex. Grew up in a If you heard about in Boston and had to close low flying and level. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, I think Shacks had his parliament before he Actually, those two loves brought him here to Colorado Springs to the airport. Where is it going? For the hockey team and graduated is distinguished graduate aeronautical engineering. Following graduation, he went on to urinate a pilot train the premier pilot training in United States, where he met and married Donna, was selected to fly and, most importantly, employed the F 16 in his earlier those formative years is a fighter. The attendant weapons School served as a weapon school instructor in F 16 squadron Commander and Beyond and led his squadron. He was in handpicked, established the adversary tactics, standing up with flying, aggressive, expanding their capability, not just flying but also in tow. Space, surface threats and cyber shacks is at the very pinnacle Tactical aviation, And this form is more fighting, found a foundation that has served our nation very well. Were they going through shacks entire career building on this more fighting foundation? Let me instead highlight a few key jobs that brings the life three leadership qualities that makes shag such a national treasure. Seeing the need for change, realizing a vision construct for chains and then implementing that changed again beyond the organizations that he was leaving. As the 57th win commander stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, he was response for providing well trained and well equipped combat forces ready to deploy and conduct integrated combat. Jack’s quickly realize that the strategic environment has changed. No longer would our air forces be able to operate in the air. On test, he brought the aggressors and weapons school together formulated, contested, degraded operation Limited concept. Rethinking how we think about realistic training. Not only did Jack Jack’s developed that strategy implemented a strategy, and today the CDO constructs we caught remains at the heart of our training underpinning or U S Air Force warplanes. Jax is the Air Force’s Pacific KOR expert with eight different assignments focused on Asia to include the 35th Fighter Wing commander 6 13 their operations center commander that 13 Air Force Deputy commander, seven, Air Force commander in Korea in the PAC after commander stationed out of the way he helped lead turn our national defense strategy. He was instrumental was an instrumental leader in our re balance to the Pacific. Realizing that that was our feature coolers. When he assumed command of Pacific Air Forces, he realized that current construct fighting I was not going to be affected against a near peer rabbits. Jack’s work with the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander ever Scott Swift and developed a new joint all domain scheme of maneuver and a new IT job, combat employment. He got everyone again to rethink how we think about employment against the pure address. Again, this is now systemic. Throughout the joint force, however, the most significant contribution sacks made to our national security was right here at Peterson Air Force Base is the commander of NORAD Us North. He determined that we need to rethink how we think about homeland defense. The NORAD North Commission had to transform. He built a new strategy. He reached out to industry to come up with innovative ways to resource and implement this approach he did that was joined all the main command control construct linking sensors two shooters in all domains overwhelming. He put the J and joined all the main C two. And we work a strong partnership between North and U. S. Space Command, doubling all domain centers. And down into that solution. Not only did he come up with vision, he was able to execute, demonstrating its value with activities on the southwest border. And over the past six months, the department’s point man on operational for the U. S. Is Kobe Response. Jack, I’ve seen you in action over the past two years in our nation owes you a big debt. Gravity, earthquakes, noble evil, no noble eagle events, Southwest Border’s covitz, civil unrest and and, of course, NORAD tracks. Not only have you had the what, but you had weight and responsibility of command and for responding to that once. And it’s all been on your shoulders and the soldiers of your team. I am so proud of you. I’m proud to consider your friend, and our nation was secure with you. My land. I wish you and Donna and Sam all the best in the future. We look forward to spending many more times in the backyard and getting again. It’s indeed an honor for Molly to be here. Thank you very much. General O Shaughnessy, would you please join General Rayburn Center stage for the reading of the retirement? Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Department of the Air Force Washington District of Columbia. Special order Number A, C G 00039 Dated 11 May 2020 By order of the secretary of the Air Force, General Terrence J. O Shaughnessy is retired from active duty, effective 1 October 2020 after 34 over 34 years of faithful and honorable duty. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated along with congratulatory letters from current and former president of the United States General or Shaugnessy also received congratulatory letters from former secretaries of defense as well as Air Force chiefs of staff. Mrs. O Shaughnessy, would you please join General Raymond and General General Raymond will now symbolically present Mrs O Shaughnessy with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the men and women of the United States Airport in grateful appreciation for the commitment and numerous contributions that have made a positive impact to the nation’s defense. Thank you for the support which gave strength and purpose to your spouse’s service. With our deep appreciation, we present you this sick certificate as a remembrance of your years as a member of the Air Force family sign. General Dave will be so Sean as a farewell from the men and women of Nora and US North com, we have made a donation to the Peters, an Air Force base Airman attic in your name. At this time, Mrs O Shaughnessy will place the Air Force retirement and on General o Shaughnessy service General and Mrs Shaughnessy. General Raymond, you Thank you. Attention to orders by direction of the President of the United States, General John W. Raymond will relinquish command of the United States. Basically effective $20. 2020. General James each Dickinson is directed to assume command of the United States Space Community. Effective 20 August 2020. Please be seated. It is my great honor to introduce 27 Secretary of Defense. Well, good morning, everyone, on this very special day today Special because we honor to regulators. First of all, well, under the leading of General John Jay even recognized General James tickets as he takes command the United States space. All of our distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, family and others gathered here today. Thank you for your support. These two outstanding years. First foremost, I would like to recognize General Women’s, Raymond’s White Holly, their daughters, Kristina and Amy. I guess they’re not with us. And your son carries with all your unfailing devotion her husbands and fathers decades except service. Thank you very much. I don’t like I’d also like to recognize tickets family, his wife Angie and your Children, Deborah, Libyan and Joe for standing alongside your husband and father so many years now and for your continued support over these next four years. Thank you. For decades, the world has enjoyed reading from operating in space. Today, millions of people worldwide rely on space based capabilities such as the Global Positioning System Hi I knew by American scientists and innovators and operated by United States military everything from commerce, transportation and tracking national security threats. So it’s a T. M’s and everything else in our modern way rely on unfettered access from into space. These technologies and scientific achievements have created remarkable opportunities, and our space based capabilities provided the size. Yes, we know that space has become hotly contested at the games we possess. Moreover, as we continue to push the limits of science and innovation, we recognize that our competitors are seeking new ways to exploit our systems and undermine military advantage. We know, for example, that China and Russia are weaponizing space through the development. Anti satellite missiles directed energy, weapons and more all designed the whole United States, and I like space systems. They have turned a once peaceful arena into a world like so may America in our arms and legs Beijing and Moscow seeking to take that way. Therefore, the Stuart break our competition. United States must be able to compete and win across all the mains air, land, sea, cyberspace in space spaced armory. Essential in any. And the national strategy underscores the importance modernizing our space capabilities to effectively respond to this rapidly changing in complex security environment. That is why, in June of this year, the department published defense space strategy first of its kind. This guy takes a bold approach. Advancing our mother. Three. Space car TV Secure, stable with accessible spaces remain. The department defense will do so at an accelerated pace by preserving freedom of operations domain, providing space for two operations to improve David they like and strengthen joining combined, finally ensuring stability. My pressure on maintaining a safe, sustainable space. Furthermore, with creation of the US Space Force First New Service Branch in over 70 years and U. S. Bases Man way have an unprecedented opportunity to transform every aspect our defense, space enterprise and apply the necessary focus, energy and resource is to ensure that army defend our vital interests capabilities in space now and in the decades to come to drive such a story under taking Hold Leadership Man Tremendous. That is why we have placed our trust and confidence in General John Raymond. Serving is too critical roles in space. Enterprised both as the commander of U S Space Command since August 2019 and concurrently is the first team of space operations since December of last year with more than 36 years experienced steep space operations. General Raymond is one of the few leaders Department of Parks, significant transformation in the history of our nation’s security space. General Raymond is no stranger taking on positions of great responsibility as a young crew commander of the Middle Ballistic Missile. One of three legs are trying. He knew well, the importance, disciplined execution, maintaining a steady hand and a no, it’s certainly well was. He brought his experience with opportunities in areas such as commercial spaces of operations, space surveillance and space and missile program programming. Just a demon along the way. Deep and extensive expertise is planning and executing national space operations, and importantly, he developed a reputation as one of our nation’s most sought after It’s a commander from squadron level back command and everything in between General Raymond has demonstrated an innate ability to adapt and need in the most dynamic environments. Hallmarks. It’s the head. You have space for me this capacity. General Raymond Strong leadership Stand up the nation’s 11th better man, ensuring that our military can conduct operations in from to space to deter conflict and, if necessary, to fight and when. Through his whole vision, command has increased the ability of the joint force to check while reducing decision timelines, space operations, bringing focused attention defending U. S interests in Space America and a free roll. Me intrepid leaders like General Raymond, who couldn’t think beyond what is possible and take their calculated risks our space enterprise. This is also why was easy decision to install him in cheap space operations and the first Officer United States basement. In this role, General Raymond continues to put joint warfighting excellence in the space made by focusing on the organization, training and equipment of our nation’s finest space. J R. They should continues to have great trust confidence in your ability to lead you carry over Chief of space operations. I want to commend you for your outstanding leadership of space man advancing national strategy. Now, with your efforts sold ing on United States Space Force, I know you will continue to push our military even higher and keep our nation always thank you and Molly your continued service range. While we’re standing up a separate and independent space force, we know that space enterprises and inherited joint endeavor with our entire military relying heavily on the capabilities in space. So in the past year, we’ve installed an Air Force officer, became the first space member as the head of Space nine, thrilled to welcome its first truly joint leader and Army office at the helm. General James Tickets General Tickets takes charge during an important time in our nation’s space enterprise, and I know that he possesses the expertise the character of the leadership guy command into the future. Jim Dickinson demonstrate his talents goes early on. Is a young air defense artillery officer a critical role in protecting our forces from aerial and missile attack as well as these officers must not only be able to think on their feet but must also be able to do so while leading people in managing complex network on radar systems in the most challenging of this experience propelled general tickets throughout a career and a filled in well leadership opportunities. Commander Italian to air defense artillery brigades and an Army air and missile defense. And importantly, Prior to becoming deputy commander of U S Space Command, General Dickinson commanded US former Space Missile Defense Command, Army Forces Strategic Command, as well as a joint functional component. Command integrated a similar experience that is equipped handily space operations in a joint general tickets. Jim, if you take a man, I want to know that we have the utmost confidence in your abilities. Leadership packing minute force that you’ve demonstrated her. Serve you well, Lee. And I said, What you Angie, Lead Space command. Now years Congratulations. Closing out, like once again thank the city in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities for their staunch supporter of defense mission in this command for their unwavering commitment to our service members, the men and women in Space Command. I want to thank you for all that you do to protect preserve freedom of navigation in from and to space. Your steadfast to the mission in holding here over the Constitution is the reason our military is regarded when it’s one of the country’s most trusted respected institutions. United States America is and will remain a global leader in space. Because you stand on the Ford Edge the highest. We’re stronger, safer, more secure because of your commitment to never see this ultimate high ground. Thank you. Thank you, Secretary. It is now my privilege to present the 20th Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A Millie. I could have sworn way. We’re just here. Thanks. Jax is supposed to be in Spain. Close your retirement anyway, so get up, you retard. You’re supposed look like ReNu art over here. Hey, look at, uh, just a couple of minutes here on will include this, but this is a big deal. A little ceremony that we just saw a few minutes ago. T J Raven tickets is huge for murder. Really? For the world, because this command base command is secondary s I just mentioned is so critically important in today’s world human various remains or plan C air cyber space. So as we evolved, last year’s much credit is due to the Air Force. Much credits due to now retired Dave cold feet much credit is due to secretary fans, thousands of people, but probably no more. Credit is do then is do J Graeber s o. J. I’m not gonna become your career. I’m just gonna You’re still on active duty Cannot go the way of shags. You’re not putting clothes on right now. You’re the commander of force that’s responsible to train, man and a quiver. Space warriors, space guardians, whatever the name is gonna end up being. But those troopers, so that I could offend this country from the ultimate I ground, Goran, after you have created something that didn’t exist before and you’ve created something that is unbelievably important. You look around this building right now. The reason you’re here because of capabilities in space. Some of you flew here. Some of you drove, but all of came via GPS some way, somehow all the planes in this airbase couldn’t take off and land without capabilities, space, all these televisions, all your in all these ipads. All this. Although soon stuff, none of that could be happening without capabilities of space. And frankly, none of our capabilities in space will be happening without Jay. So, Jay, you have done an unbelievable job. Thank you so much. We have every American, Molly, thank you. Mentioned before way. Didn’t being embarrassingly by calling out families. Still critically important. J couldn’t have done what he did. You love your support supporting her entire family on He can’t do what he’s continuing to as the first chief of Space Force. I love your support. Love care, dedication, sacrifice. Thank you so much for you. And for Jim Dickinson and his incredible family family of service with his wife, Angie and Deborah back here. Devers, a schoolteacher married to an infantry major. An incredible example of service there. Olivia is a journalist on. We like to think that freedom of the press matters in our Constitution. So thank do what you’re doing every single day on Sunday. Hang Zhou. Bo Jo wants to be a violent and hangs in the construction business. It is why I was a nurse. So you got nurses, teachers got a future pilot. Teoh teacher you got you talk about service. That’s incredible service in the tickets of family. So thanks. All because Jim mentioned earlier you promote. He wouldn’t be here either without all of you. Thank you. What you do and secretary noted a lot of the accomplishments of Jim Dickinson, and I want to rehash that. But just to say that, I think it’s a long time both as chief of staff of the Army and it is role within the military. I’ve got another very well. And I can tell you that when it came time to looking, it was gonna be a commander of space on following J. We did a certain extent. Secretary was very rigorous in his review process. Lots of interviews, looking, inventing lots of records on there. Canada at the end of days side of nominating. The reason he did that because of obvious theories except still coming up with a system with air defense, artillery of the Army and a lot of experience in various, but also because care giving tickets in this Amanda enormous terror on this job, he’s gonna need every ounce that there because he’s going to have continually render his investment three advice secretary defense, the president, in times of prices done with that, and he’s gonna have to stand in the breach. Can an honest writer just Raymond, just as every one of us has every day, day in and day out on it was for those reasons activity is competent. Care puts him on the stage. I could tell you our nation space com was great with now, General Jim. Jim. Thanks for what you do. Thanks. Last week with soul samples, every Marines goes civilians out there, not only space combat space force. Right now you’re relatively small in, but you’re on our knees. Way bigger Your numbers would indicate, so I just want to publicly Thank you. Do every single day. All of us off. Most of will never know, but every single day. Thank God. Attention, Citation Job General United States Peaceful. Distinguished himself by exceptionally distinguished command and states Peace Peterson was from December 2017 to August 20. During this period, the unrivalled general was fighting as he planned for the staff of the United States. 11. Combatant. Elevating this critical lunch from a component to an independent here in the United States was me, during a period of historical change of significance as the commander of Russia’s work to modernize their space capabilities and China’s aggressive school in military space. Despite of all nations attempting to conceal General Raymond’s dedication to further the security of the United States. Space Focus The Department of Defensive Stance of space as a distinct or fighting domain. Insulin might space superiority as a critical security. The distinctive accomplishments of general reflect bring credited names United States based the United States Space and the Department of Thank You, General you may be. And this time it is my pleasure to introduce the Chief of space operations United States Space Force and outgoing Commander United States Space Command General J. Raymond, Mr Secretary Chairman, distinguished guests, family, friends and, most importantly, the men and women of U. S. Space Command. What a spectacular day here in Colorado Springs. As I said earlier, it’s always great to be back here. Mr. Secretary, thank you for presiding over today ceremony for your visionary leadership, establishing this command and in doing so, raising space to a level commensurate with its importance to our national security. Most importantly, thank you for your trust and confidence in me and our U S. Space command team. I also want to thank the Chairman for participating today I have had the opportunity to serve with gentle million both my U S space command hat and in my space force hats, and I am so thankful for your leadership. We all benefit from your integrity, your unwavering commitment to our Constitution and your enduring a kip commitment to America’s soldiers, sailors, airman, marine space professionals and their families. Thank you. As I’ve said many times, getting stationed in Colorado Springs is like winning the lottery. I’d be remiss if I didn’t think the community leaders that are here with us today and I really appreciate it. Thank you very much to my wife, Molly, and our kids. Christina, who’s a marketing manager in Minneapolis. Amy, who’s a third grade teacher in Des Moines, Iowa, and our son Gary, who is a football player at Yale looking for a football season to play. Um, I can’t thank you enough to say this has been a pretty dynamic few years would be a huge, huge understatement, and I appreciate your love and support Molly, your commitment and dedication. You are F space, jf sec space, U. S Space Command and Space Force families have been especially important in these times, have enormous chains, and I love you very much to the men and women of United States based command. I couldn’t be more proud of you and your accomplishments. Two years ago, in August of 2000 and 18 someone whispered in my ear and said, Hey, you should start planning the reestablishment of U. S Space Command and be prepared to have that command up in just three months. A couple days later, I was headed out for an extended TD wide for a promotion board. And I took a broad. A small team of planners with me five planners bigger. General Tom James. Bring her gentle Sean Bratton. Mr. Dave Tucek from U. S Strategic Command Girl Ken Klock from here it U S Space Command that Mr Mark Main from out of Vandenberg. This team worked all day while I was on the board. And then together we would spend the evenings and refining the plan, and we rinsed and repeated, repeated that for a week and at the end of the week we emerged with a plan for the establishment of this command. What’s interesting is when you look at the butcher block paper that we used the draft, the plan on the wall, it’s almost exactly what we implement and I give that team a lot of credit After returning from that T. D Y. I asked breeder General Rock Miller to implement that plan, and he pulled together a task force and did that detailed planning to stand up the command. Just a year later, rocking my hat’s off to you for your leadership. And there we were on 29 August just a year ago, in a ceremony hosted by the President. I want to thank the President for the distinct honor and privilege of serving is the US based command commander and the vice President in the White House Rose Garden, where Secretary Esper signed a document formally establishing the command and reassigning forces from U. S Strategic Command to U. S Space Command Chief Master Sergeant Doberman. Our senior enlisted adviser unfurled our flag and we were established. But it was clear, after a tremendous amount of hard work, that we’re just a starting line and it was time to sprint. Our national security demanded it. This command is purpose built to meet the demands of the national security strategy in the national defense strategy to compete and to deter from a position of strength and that deterrence were to fail toe win. This command is tailor made to focus on enhancing our ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations in space, to further strengthen our partnerships with the intelligence community with our allies and finally to enhance global war fighting. Integrating more seamlessly with our combatant command partners, U. S Space Command is laser focused on protecting and defending our critical space assets. We’ve established a joint task for space defense, a first of its kind in operational command. Focus on war fighting. Under the leadership of Brickner Gentle Tom James, this team constructed a unified structure with our intelligence partners and allies. We also established under the leadership of Major General Stephen Whiting and now Major General John Saw our first ever combined command. This team of allies, partners, commercial and civil space professionals is taking the necessary steps to ensure our joint warfighting partners in the Combatant commands can fully leverage space power in their global operations. A special thank you to our allies and partners. This command has focused on expanding partnerships because we know the U. S cannot protect him to defend space by ourselves. We’re stronger together, we’re more aware, more credible warfighting folks force because they’re our allies. Increased lethality through the unique capabilities and prospectus we could not do are missing without our incredible partnership with intelligence Community and the National Reconnaissance Office are organizations have never been closer. This partnership has been absolutely critical to understanding the threats in space and on Earth. Your unwavering commitment and tradecraft. Insurers are enduring safety and security to our combatant command partners. Our primary measure of success is to deliver the war fighting capabilities you need when you need them without fail. I am proud of our efforts to advance the joint force global integration and would like to highlight girl Chris Wendland for the work he has done to develop our joint planning. So your integration efforts are leading the joint force. My hat’s off to you and your team. I’d also like to give special thanks to my front office team, communications team and security team for their strong support and sleep and selfless service. Finally, the real source of combat power. US space commanders, our warfighters. We’ve been delivered in our process to track, develop, educate and retain a cadre of warrior minded experts ready to address the challenges in space to all the directors, leaders, soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, space professionals and civilians who make up this command. You do so much for a nation, and I’m proud of each and every one of you. U S Space Command has Foot has never left, has never been left off, accelerate over this past year. But as we continue the transition from establishment, the full operational capability General Jim Dickinson’s foot will now be on the accelerator pedal. Jim, thank you for serving so closely with me over the past six months. I couldn’t be more excited that you and Angie will now lead this command. There is nobody, nobody more qualified to assume command. And I am very excited to see where you’re going to lead it. As United States based forces chief of space operations, my sole focus now shifts to providing you the capabilities you need at the time and tempo that you need them to successfully conduct your missing. And I will promise each and every one of you that I will give it my own. Mr. Secretary Chairman. I am pleased to report that our nation is better prepared today to compete, deter and win in the space domain, then we were just a year ago. And, um and I am convinced that the joint space warfighters assigned us space Man under the steady hand of Jim Dickinson will ensure that into the future again, Thank you very much for the privilege of serving, and God bless each and every one of you. Thank you, General Raman. During the farewell yesterday, Molly Raymond was presented the outstanding Public Service award in lieu of flowers. A donation has been made in Mrs Raymond’s name to the Peterson Spouses Club. It is my honor to introduce, for the first time the Commander, United States Space Command General James Dickinson, Mr Secretary Chairman, distinguished guests, family, friends and, most importantly, the men and women of U. S. Space Command. Good morning. Thank you all for being here today, Especially given under these extraordinary circumstances. I am truly humbled and deeply honored to assume command of U. S Space Command. I am thankful to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Secretary that fence the president of United States and our congressional leaders for the trust and confidence they have placed in me to lead our nation’s newest combatant command in its role to protect, defend and advance our nation’s interest in space. I’m grateful and indeed very fortunate have worked for General Raymond as his deputy in U. S Space Command for the past nine months. He liked to joke with me that by me becoming the Commander will now be working for me and as his new role in the space force. The truth is, as we both strive to deliver space capabilities and space warfighters to our nation, I couldn’t ask for a better partner, companion and friend. Thank you, John Raymond. Now it can call you Jay for your untiring efforts to establish you a space command for our your tremendous support to the war fighters of this command and for your visionary work to set us on a trajectory for great success. I look forward to working with you in our new roles, and I’m excited to see if you still remember how to have just one hat as its chief of space operations to our Colorado civic leaders. Thank you for your continuous support to the men and women in uniform, which is so critical to the success of the missions of our local military bases on a personal note. Although I’ve been back for several months as a Colorado native and a alumni of both Colorado State University in the Colorado School of Mines, I can honestly say it’s great to be home. I’m deeply indebted to my family, for all their support and love over the years. First and foremost is my wife, Angie, of 34 years, my high school sweetheart, and we’ve known each other for 42 years. Our daughter, Debra, and her husband, Matt. Our son, Hank, and his wife, Sarah. Our daughter, Olivia. Our son, Joe. And most certainly our grandchildren. Reagan, Jr, Colton, Peyton and Riley who are, without doubt the stars of our lives. Angie and I could not be more proud of our family as they represent the resiliency, toughness and service that make military kids so successful While the Army considers them my dependence. The reality is I’m dependent on them. I certainly would not be here today if it wasn’t. What was was not for their sacrifices, love and support. So thank you for being here today, just as you were in Washington, D. C. When I did my congressional testimony with my battle buddy down here, Glenn Van Herck. And finally, I’d like to express my gratitude of the members of the new extended joint family, the war fighters of the United States based Command, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, space professionals, allies, interagency partners, government civilians and contract partners. You are the real source of this combatant commands combat power. You’ve worked tirelessly over the last year to establish this command and to create conditions for success in this new warfighting domain. I am proud to have been part of this effort and so far I am proud of each and every one of you. When I reflect on what has changed over the course of the last year, I am amazed. We have built key relationships with international partners supporting multiple facets of the Space domain Awareness mission and have established sharing agreements with several nations, commercial industries and academic institutions. We have developed new training programs to grow a cadre that is always focused on our space capabilities. Along with our headquarters element, we now have a combined four space component command providing space enabled capabilities and effects to the war fighters from Vandenberg Air force Base with significant contributions from our allies and partners from several nations, some of which are here today. A joint task force space defense charged with leading our efforts to gain and maintain space superiority and defeat counter space threats to our nation and our allies embedded space, integrating planning elements in seven of our 10 combat 11 combatant commands and are in the process of establishing similar elements at the remaining three with the purpose of insuring space effects are fully synchronized in the planning and execution process. Is all U. S and Allied combat operations. So did say that this is an exciting time to be in the space business is a major understatement. It is, quite frankly, a critical time for our nation. The recently released Defense Space Strategy describes how our adversaries are developing, testing and deploying counter space capabilities, as well as evolving their military doctrines to include their employment in a conflict that extends into the space domain. In the process, they’re not only challenging the US security and prosperity, they have turned a once peaceful environment into a war fighting domain. It is important to note that space is a war fighting domain not because we want it to be, but because of our adversaries have seen the advantages spaces provided to our way of life and to our way of war. And they constantly seek ways toe hold our space assets at risk. As our adversaries continue to weaponize space, as we recently saw in July, U S Space Command stands postured to deter and if necessary, defeat those threats. The unified command plan is very clear. Our mission is to protect and defend us and allied interests in space. To be clear, our objective is to deter a conflict from beginning in or extending to space and to enable our nation to compete in space from a position of strength. However, should deterrents fail, are imperative is clear. We will win. To do so, we will require space warfighting culture that permeates the entire command. I believe our experiences make us who we are in my career is an army air defense. Artillery men has shaped my warfighting perspective by training and by experience. In fact, by design, that war fighting mindset is inculcated into every member of the Army’s combat arms branches. It shapes every analysis we perform every recommendation we provide and every decision we make it is baked into our culture. My pledge to you is that my focus is a commander will be on developing, nurturing, embracing a space warfighting culture. Every effort, every decision point, every initiative and every tradeoff we make will occur in the context of assessing its contributions to our ability to deter conflict and, if necessary, to fight and win in space to the men, to the men and women of the U. S. Space Command. In the coming days and weeks, we will further develop and refine our intent, priorities and roadmap and measures of effectiveness. That process will be better of inclusive, but most importantly, laser focused on holding, honing our warfighting capability and developing our warfighting culture. Through that approach, I am confident that we will meet our national security imperatives for space and be able to execute the task assigned to us today by the National Command authorities and honor the trust placed in us by the American people to effectively protect and defend their interests in space. As highlighted in our net as defense space strategy, we’re facing the most significant transformation in the history of the US National Space Security Program. We have a unique opportunity and a solemn responsibility. As commander, I take this responsibility very seriously. The U. S is the best in space today. US space com will ensure this remains true as we work to implement national defense strategies, the defense space strategy and the unified command plan. Directing for the maintaining space superiority and protecting and defending our critical space capabilities. So thank you again for all the sport in the ceremonies today. I really got to give a shout out to the protocol teams between Nora and North com and US Space com. This was truly a very unique change of command. Ceremonies couldn’t been better, better done with two great Americans that are sitting full before us along with these gentlemen on the stage. So I’m excited to be the next combatant commander or the combat commander of U. S Space Command Command, Thank you for your attends today and God bless America. Thank you, General Dickinson. In lieu of flowers, a donation has been made in Angie Dickinson’s name to America’s Gold Star families On behalf of the war fighters of North American Aerospace Defense Command, United States, Northern Command and United States Space Command. Thank you all for joining us. In celebrating these momentous events, we extend our congratulations to General Van Herk and General Dickinson and their families and wish Theo Shaughnessy’s and Raymond’s well in their new endeavors. General Dickinson will host a receiving line in front of the flags. To my right, he looks forward to working alongside the warfighters of United States Space Command. In keeping with tradition, please stand as we conclude with the Armed Forces Service Medley, played by the United States Air Force Academy ceremonial Band, followed by the departure of the official party. Please remain in place until after the official party has departed. And then Usher has dismissed your row. Thank you and have a stellar day with No, but yeah.