Enhancing connectivity and readiness at Space Systems Command

Enhancing connectivity and readiness at Space Systems Command
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024

At a well-attended event on April 18, 2024, at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant emphasized the unity and purpose binding the personnel of Space Systems Command (SSC). He addressed the crowd, highlighting the crucial role of the command's blend of military, civilian, and contractor staff in achieving mission objectives.

"One of our four 'Guardian Ideals' is connection - character, connection, commitment, and courage," stated U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant during his keynote address. "What we do is incredibly hard, but we do it incredibly well, and we do it because of all of you."

Lt. Gen. Garrant detailed the ongoing adaptability of SSC in light of the recent Commercial Space Strategy introduced by Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations. This strategy underscores SSC's commitment to staying aligned with the dynamic requirements of space missions.

"We've never had a single mission command focused on the four aspects of readiness, those being people, training, equipment, and sustainment," Garrant said. "For the first time, under a single commander, we are focused on delivering capability and readiness improvement."

SSC, headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, oversees a vast network of organizations and personnel nationwide and globally. It manages a significant $15.6 billion acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, aiming to develop and sustain space capabilities that support both U.S. and Allied forces.

Lt. Gen. Garrant also discussed the evolution of SSC's role in acquisition and workforce development, emphasizing the urgency of delivering operational capabilities to the warfighter by January 1, 2026.

"Capabilities for the warfighter by 1 January 2026, that are fielded, tested, trained, and presented to the warfighter, in about 20 short months," Garrant said.

Having assumed leadership of SSC in February, Garrant inherited the role from USSF Gen. Michael Guetlein. His extensive background in acquisition roles since 1992 enhances his leadership at SSC.

The event also featured remarks on SSC's infrastructure needs and participation in the upcoming Torrance Armed Forces Day. The day's activities included a team-building exercise, a service organization fair, and an innovation session aimed at improving SSC processes.

In closing his remarks, Garrant quoted Roger Waters, reflecting on the high aspirations of the command: "Dragged by the force of some inner tide, at a higher altitude with flag unfurled, we reach the dizzy heights of that dreamed-of world," Garrant said. "Semper Supra!"