Space Force

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory played a pivotal role in Exercise Steel Knight 2024, leveraging the annual training event to test advanced technologies and experimental concepts aimed at modernizing the force and enhancing joint interoperability. Held from December 2 to December 19, the exercise took place in multiple locations across the Southwest United States.

Advancing Force Modernization

As a leader in the Marine Corps’ experimentation efforts, MCWL used SK24 to evaluate emerging capabilities critical to the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative. This experimentation directly supported the Joint Warfighting Concept 3.0, which focuses on integrating sensors, decision-making systems, and operational capabilities to improve battlefield effectiveness.

“Steel Knight provided MCWL an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate technologies and concepts in realistic operational environments,” said Maj. Patrick O’Mara, Concept Development Team Lead, MCWL Experiment Division. “Our efforts are aimed at ensuring Marines remain agile, lethal, and aligned with the needs of the Joint Force.”

Key Areas of Experimentation

1. Data Integration and Decision Superiority:

MCWL tested systems that enabled rapid sensor-to-shooter data exchanges across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. These systems provide real-time battlespace awareness, enhancing decision-making in high-intensity operations.

2. Resilient Logistics and Sustainment:

Experimentation included new approaches to supply chain resilience, ensuring the effective deployment of equipment and personnel in contested environments.

3. Tactical-Level Interoperability:

Collaboration with joint and allied forces during SK24 allow MCWL to assess the integration of new technologies and operational frameworks with coalition partners, fostering greater interoperability.

Supporting Joint Experimentation

Steel Knight 2024 also contributed to broader Joint Force experimentation efforts. By collaborating with other services and allied nations, MCWL explored how new systems improved multi-domain operations and strengthened the capabilities of a unified Joint Force.

“The work conducted at Steel Knight helped shape the future of warfighting,” said Capt. Mario Fajardo, Concept Development Team Assistant Lead, MCWL Experiment Division. “We do not just prepare for tomorrow’s battles—we influence how they will be fought.”

Building on Lessons Learned

The experiments at SK24 built upon insights from previous exercises, such as Project Convergence Capstone 4 and Valiant Shield. MCWL incorporates after-action reviews to refine technologies and operational concepts, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement.

Strategic Contributions

MCWL’s efforts at SK24 demonstrates the Marine Corps’ commitment to force modernization and innovation. By rigorously testing and evaluating concepts in realistic environments, MCWL ensures the Marine Corps remains at the forefront of military capability development.

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate generates and examines threat-informed, operating concepts and capabilities and provides analytically supported recommendations to inform subsequent force design and development activities.

The U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific command proudly celebrated the Space Force’s fifth anniversary milestone Dec. 19, with a ceremony featuring Guardians alongside other services’ members and community officials.

Established by Congress Dec. 20, 2019, Space Force has quickly become a vital branch of the U.S. military, alongside the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Its Guardians are responsible for tracking tens of thousands of space objects, protecting U.S. and allied interests in space, and conducting military space operations including space domain awareness, missile warning, satellite communication, navigation, and supporting critical intelligence and cyber operations.

“The establishment of the Space Force marked a significant milestone in our nation’s history. It signaled a commitment to securing and advancing our interests in space, a domain that is crucial for national security and global stability,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, SPACEFOR-INDOPAC commander. “Our adversaries understand the importance of space power and are moving quickly to not only build up their own space architectures, but to disrupt, degrade, and destroy our space capabilities.”

The idea of a military service dedicated to space was first considered in the 1980s, and then again in the 1990s. Ultimately, the growing challenge from improved Chinese and Russian space capabilities spurred the creation of the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces with the enactment of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

“We’re just starting our long journey,” Mastalir said. “But we have the strong support of those services here before us and the incredible talent and dedication of our Guardians. There’s little doubt the Space Force will be a guiding star as we continue pushing boundaries and achieving greatness.”

Space operations were originally managed by Air Force Space Command, a major command within the U.S. Air Force. However, the Space Force now serves as a dedicated military branch with global responsibilities.

While still aligned under the Department of the Air Force, the Space Force takes the Air Force credo of “Aim High,” to new heights with its own motto “Semper Supra,” which is Latin for ‘Always Above.’ This motto denotes the service’s role in establishing, maintaining and preserving U.S. freedom of operations in the ultimate high ground.

Finding affordable housing on California’s Central Coast can be daunting for military personnel stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base. To alleviate this financial strain, Vandenberg has introduced the Rental Partnership Program (RPP), a Department of the Air Force initiative designed to provide significant financial relief to service members while also supporting local landlords by directing them to stable, reliable tenants.

“The Rental Partnership Program is a win-win for landlords and our service members,” said Gretchen Swinehart, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management chief. “Landlords benefit from a reliable tenant base and secure payments, while military members gain access to quality housing with financial advantages.”

The RPP facilitates formal agreements between property managers and the military housing office. Participating landlords can offer a range of benefits, including reduced rent, waived deposits, and flexible lease terms, in exchange for secure payment arrangements, typically through direct deposit allotments from service members. This flexibility addresses the needs of both landlords and military members.

“For example, instead of a one-year lease, members might have the option of signing a six-month lease,” said Swinehart. “The goal is to reduce the financial burden on our service members, especially given the high cost of living in the area.”

Before landlords can join the program, the Military Housing Office (MHO) inspects their properties to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. This includes checks for structural integrity, safety features, and general maintenance. Annual re-inspections are also required to maintain participation, ensuring that the properties continue to meet these standards.

Two property managers in Lompoc are participating in the Rental Partnership Program (RPP). Both properties have adjusted their leasing terms to make housing more accessible and affordable for those who serve. By participating in this program, these landlords demonstrate their commitment to supporting Vandenberg.

“These discounts can save service members thousands of dollars annually,” said Swinehart. “It’s a significant financial relief, especially considering the upfront savings on deposits and waived fees.”

Despite its benefits, the program faces challenges in expanding participation due to the region’s low vacancy rate, which has hovered around 1.5% since the pandemic. Many landlords, already dealing with high demand, may not see the need to offer discounts.

“We’re trying to emphasize the reliability of military tenants,” said Swinehart. “Our service members are responsible renters who pay on time and take care of their homes. Plus, landlords who partner with us have a direct point of contact at the base if issues arise.”

To build awareness, Vandenberg’s housing office has engaged with local city officials, attended community meetings, and collaborated with chambers of commerce in Lompoc and Santa Maria.

While only two property managers are currently enrolled, the MHO remains optimistic about expanding the program.

“One tenant participating in the program told us the monthly discount has been a big help, and we’re thrilled with the partnerships we’ve built so far,” said Swinehart. “We will keep working with city officials and local property managers to expand the program and provide more options for our military community.”

To ensure incoming service members know the program, Vandenberg’s housing office provides information through emails sent 90 days before arrival, community guides, and mandatory in-processing briefings.

The Rental Partnership Program offers a practical solution to easing the financial strain of housing for service members while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local landlords.

For more information or to participate, contact the MHO at [email protected] or call 805-606-3434/1840.

Great Lakes, Ill. (December 15, 2024) – Rear Adm. Scott Ruston, director of the Navy’s “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, energized Navy Reserve sailors at the Navy Reserve Center, Great Lakes, with a compelling call to action. He emphasized the Navy Reserve’s critical role as the nation’s “strategic depth” while urging sailors to embrace their identity as maritime warfighters and leaders in an increasingly complex global security environment.

“We are the sixth man,” Ruston declared, comparing reservists to basketball players poised to jump off the bench when the starting five needs support or specialized skills. “We wear the uniform. We go to practice just like the starting five. When the coach looks down the bench and says, ‘I need a three-point sharpshooter,’ the reserve sailor must be ready to deliver.”

The basketball analogy resonated deeply with sailors, highlighting the Navy Reserve’s dual mission: supplementing active-duty forces during crises and providing boutique skill sets that enhance operational capabilities. “We’re not just backups,” Ruston clarified. “Our boutique skill sets make us indispensable.”

Ruston reminded the audience of their primary identity as maritime warfighters and the vital role they play in securing global stability. “Every person in this room must ask themselves, ‘Am I ready?’” he challenged. “The world is more unstable now than it has been in decades, and if conflict comes, it will be an all-domain fight—cyber, space, air, maritime, and land.”

Ruston stressed that warfighter readiness goes beyond knowing and training to one’s mobilization billet. It includes administrative preparedness, medical and dental clearance, and family readiness. “If we’re not ready to get in the game, we fail just as much if we’re not proficient at our job. And failure isn’t an option,” he said, emphasizing the Navy Reserve’s goal of mobilizing 50,000 sailors within 30 days in the event of national emergency.

The “Get Real, Get Better” philosophy was a central theme of Ruston’s address. He described it as a mindset rooted in honesty, self-assessment, and continuous improvement. “It starts with being honest about where you stand,” he explained. “Ask yourself, ‘How can I do better today than I did yesterday?’And grow that mindset within your team.”

Lieut. Cmdr. Damien Treshman, executive officer of Navy Reserve Center, Great Lakes, praised the initiative’s practical impact. “It’s not a short-term program. It’s a mindset that enhances both quality of life and mission performance,” he said, adding that Ruston’s leadership made it clear reservists are active participants in shaping the Navy’s future.

Ruston also provided a comprehensive overview of current global threats, from China’s ambitions in Taiwan to Russian aggression in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. He called on sailors to see themselves as frontline defenders of the world order. “We are maritime warfighters,” he said passionately. “We don’t just defend America—we defend the stability of the global system. And we must be ready for the call.”

In closing, Ruston left no doubt about the stakes: “If you wear this uniform, you are a vital part of our nation’s defense and its readiness for any future conflict. Stay prepared, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and strive for excellence every day. The future of the Navy—and the safety of our nation and allies—rests on your dedication.”

Ruston’s words left the sailors with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear mission: to embody the ethos of warfighters and exemplify the Navy Reserve’s vital role in national defense.

The National Space Defense Center has created the NSDC Advanced Concept Experimentation (NACE) to innovate and optimize the NSDC’s ability to execute the protect and defend mission.

The NACE program’s mission is to rapidly iterate and improve space superiority, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and defensive cyber command-and-control processes and procedures. NACE is the NSDC’s operationally and tactically focused venue to rapidly improve its ability to execute assigned missions through experimentation, utilizing space warfighters in live-ops and tabletop exercises using current and near-operational capabilities.

NACE is the next generation of experimentation within the NSDC designed to focus efforts on advancing mission execution, generating a warfighter mentality, and defining operational imperatives. NACE is not an exercise or evaluation used to validate processes and procedures or operator training. NACE events are designed to leverage mission partner opportunities while incorporating experimentation into existing integration efforts when possible.

“The NACE experiments are focused on integration and synchronization with mission partners and improving processes and operations holistically,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason “J.U.” Utulo, Director of Operations Experimentation. “These experiments enable collaboration to see what processes enable tactical units the flexibility to achieve their warfighting functions.  This will help understand what feedback mechanisms the center needs to fulfill Global C2/Battle Management obligations…and just get better at warfighting.”

NACE development and execution methodology are uncommon in the military operations community. Military operators usually have exercise, training, and / or test experience and often seek to fit NACE inside one of those constructs. Although NACE has some common elements and can support those efforts, it is different. Instead, NACE leverages the Agile Development Sprint concept, defined as a short period of focused effort seeking to rapidly advance an operational or tactical issue in new ways. Additionally, NACE utilizes a “scientific method like” approach to define a hypothesis and develop a scenario to prove or disprove the hypothesis. 

The primary objectives of the NACE program are to:

Improve and prepare the NSDC through rehearsal and refinement of existing C2 procedures to plan, execute, and assess space, cyber, and intelligence operations with the whole-of-center approach.

Optimize support to real-world testing and future capability process and procedure development.

Identify risks, issues, and gaps in current capabilities, processes, and authorities that support execution of space operations.

NACE events are free or low-cost experiments using tabletop, small scale, and large-scale field experimentation to rapidly identify operational and tactical level issues and then develop, refine, and prototype solutions. These events may be overlaid with other higher headquarters experimentation, advanced training and exercise events in support of common goals and may also contribute to NSDC operational crew advanced training through their participation in creative problem solving.

With the support of mission partners and tactical units, through NACE, the NSDC implemented a space tasking cycle and flexible battle rhythm schedule ensuring the NSDC is providing the best support to the Joint Warfighter in defense of the nation.

For most anticipating a feast at a command’s galley, the holidays are a time to gather, eat, and celebrate, but for the Nutrition Management Department at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), it’s the culmination of months of meticulous planning, teamwork, and dedication. On Dec. 12, 2024, the team served over 1,000 meals in just two and a half hours, offering a festive dining experience to patients, staff, and visitors. However, the event was far more than just a meal—it was a demonstration of precision logistics and culinary artistry.

“We start planning for the December Holiday Special Meal in early October,” explained Lt. Cmdr. Jason Asencio, Department Head for NMCSD Nutrition Management, who oversees the operation. “This happens while we’re simultaneously managing the Navy Birthday meal and Thanksgiving meal.”

The process begins with crafting a menu based on vendor availability, followed by forecasting the precise quantities of every ingredient. The team reviews sales data from past events, calculates costs, and determines serving sizes to balance quality with efficiency. Weekly production meetings refine the plan over several weeks.

“Forecasting is one of the most comprehensive steps,” said Asencio. “We account for every detail—equipment availability, storage space, delivery schedules, and even how much oven capacity we’ll need on the big day.  Not to mention, we also had to contend with staff rightfully on leave and another major dynamic that pulled staff away from NMCSD.”

This year’s preparations were particularly challenging, as the Mercy Exercise (MERCEX 25-1) drew away many NMCSD team members until Dec. 11. MERCEX, a quarterly training event conducted aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), requires significant participation from NMCSD staff who are cross-assigned to Mercy. The exercise hones the readiness of more than 500 Sailors, preparing them for disaster relief, casualty care, and operational deployments.

Despite this operational commitment, the Nutrition Management culinary team at NMCSD ensured the holiday meal was executed flawlessly.

The day before the meal, many menu items were prepped to ensure smooth execution. On Dec. 12, staff arrived as early as 5:00 a.m. to begin cooking and decorating. The kitchen buzzed with activity—meats were expertly carved, desserts packaged, vegetables and fruits sculpted for garnish, and temperatures checked meticulously.

By the time the doors opened, the three service lines were adorned with holiday-themed decorations and perfectly plated dishes.

“This event requires full collaboration from both our administrative and culinary teams,” said Asencio. “From planning to execution, every team member plays a critical role in delivering an exceptional experience.”

Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Director of NMCSD, praised the effort, saying, “This meal is a testament to the dedication of our Food Services team. Their hard work ensures that even during the busy holiday season, we create moments of joy and connection for our patients, staff, and visitors. It’s a reflection of our commitment to care and the talent of our Food Services team.  And, the food was delicious!”

NMCSD’s Holiday Special Meal reflects the command’s commitment to excellence, not just in healthcare but in every aspect of service. Behind the scenes, it’s a story of careful planning, hard work, and a shared mission to bring joy during the holiday season.

For media with any follow-up interest or questions, contact NMCSD Public Affairs at 619-380-3004.

The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in southern California to provide patients with world-class care. Anchored in Excellence, Committed to Health!

As the United States Air Force continues reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, building bonds with partner nations, especially those in the INDOPACOM region, is essential.

Two Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars recently formed a connection with a partner nation as they helped strengthen the United States’ relationship with Timor-Leste during a mission there.

Lt. Col. Meridee Trimble and Capt. Tia Scoggan are Bahasa Indonesia LEAP Scholars who provided real-time translation for an academic course in Timor-Leste. The course aimed to build partnership capacity for Timor-Leste’s maritime domain awareness and border security mission areas and to enhance initiatives contributing to an international coalition operation. The student body comprised of 15 students from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine components of the Timor-Leste Defense Force, also known as the F-FDTL.

The mission offered valuable training that was also effective, on a personal level, in building individual relationships between service members of the two countries.

“The benefit of conducting this mission was that the USAF Air Advisors shared concepts and expertise enabling the F-FDTL to protect its national security interests. We, as LEAP Scholars, communicated that information to the Timorese students in a language they understand,” Trimble said. “The students were fast learners and very engaged in the material and classroom activities. An additional benefit is that we spent two weeks getting to know Timorese Airman, Sailors, and Marines. We ate lunch with our classmates each day, became acquainted with one another, shared stories, tried a variety of Timorese dishes, and built a relationship outside of the classroom.”

The relationships built during this training exemplify how small group interactions can play a significant role in the cooperation between the United States and its allies and partners.

“This mission allowed me to witness the U.S. Department of Defense reoptimizing its efforts towards Great Power Competition, in real-time, from a different perspective and military branch than my own United States Space Force unit in Colorado,” Scoggan said. “It broadened my perspective of various U.S. and allied initiatives in the INDOPACOM AOR and solidified my belief that grassroots efforts and relationship-building (through Mobile Training Teams like this one) can make a significant impact on bilateral relations with the host nation and increase influence/effectiveness in the region.”

The mission was also a significant professional development event for the LEAP Scholars. Because their primary duties do not require them to speak Bahasa Indonesia (Trimble as the Director of International Program and an Assistant Professor of Japanese at USAFA and Scoggan as an Operations Flight Commander in a USSF unit), the chance to converse in the language was meaningful.

“This Training Partnership Request was particularly beneficial because neither of us had previously done live language interpretation,” Trimble said. “We completed LEAP immersions throughout Indonesia in a controlled, one-on-one classroom environment… We rarely have the opportunity to practice the language. This experience required us to familiarize ourselves with a technical vocabulary beyond the scope we typically use during LEAP immersions and e-Mentor classes (and the Defense Language Institute for Trimble). This opportunity tested our ability to recall vocabulary quickly, employ infrequently used grammar, and think on our feet to elaborate upon concepts requiring detailed explanations. It was especially helpful to have two LEAP Scholars on the team because if we could not recall a word at that moment, we turned to one another for quick assistance. We also learned a lot from each other’s different styles of speaking the language and how we expressed ourselves.”

Scoggan agreed that this mission, classified by AFCLC as an Advanced Language Intensive Training Event, greatly expanded her language, regional expertise, and culture skills. Advanced LITEs are designed to immerse LEAP Scholars in their target language and culture, providing dedicated opportunities for LREC training.

“This Advanced LITE significantly improved my military and technical vocabulary with the subject matter,” said Scoggan. “This was my first time providing near real-time translation, so I could directly identify my strengths and weaknesses, and then make any corrective actions quickly due to the pressure of the public setting. Also, I had a different perspective and understanding of Timorese history before visiting the country for the first time since my family is from Indonesia. Talking with the Timorese students and locals, I learned a lot about local customs and history from their eyes, which was very eye-opening and informative. Lastly, after this Advanced LITE, I gained a better understanding of DoD interests with Timor-Leste and how it relates to the bigger Great Power Competition initiative.”