Joint Task Force–Space Defense

The Joint Task Force–Space Defense (JTF–SD) was a joint task force and subordinate command of United States Space Command. It was responsible for executing control of space defense and space domain awareness units to protect and defend U.S. space capabilities.[2]

Joint Task Force–Space Defense
Joint Task Force–Space Defense shield
Active29 August 2019–6 December 2023
Country United States
TypeJoint task force
RoleSpace defense
Part ofCombined Joint Task Force–Space Operations
HeadquartersSchriever Space Force Base, Colorado, U.S.[1]
Websitewww.jtf-spacedefense.mil
Insignia
Flag

Mission

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Joint Task Force–Space Defense's mission was to "conduct, in unified action with mission partners, space superiority operations to deter aggression, defend U.S. and Allied interests, and defeat adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict."[3]

Structure

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Joint Task Force–Space Defense included:[4]

History

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Joint Task Force–Space Defense was established immediately after the establishment of United States Space Command on August 29, 2019.[4]A ceremony recognizing the establishment of the JTF–SD was held on October 21, 2019 at Schriever AFB.[5]

JTF–SD was inactivated on 6 December 2023 with the activation of United States Space Forces – Space.[6][7][8] On 8 January 2024, a ceremony was held to inactivate JTF–SD.[9]

List of commanders

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No. Commander Term Service branch
Portrait Name Took office Left office Term length
1Major General
Thomas L. James
29 August 20194 November 20223 years, 67 days 
U.S. Army
2Brigadier General
Dennis Bythewood
4 November 20226 December 20231 year, 32 days 
U.S. Space Force

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "U.S. Space Command's major components will be based in California and Colorado". SpaceNews.com. June 30, 2019.
  2. ^ "NEW COMBATANT COMMANDER BEGINS ORGANIZING SPACE". Schriever Air Force Base. Archived from the original on 2019-11-21. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  3. ^ "United States Space Command Fact Sheet". United States Space Command. Archived from the original on 2019-12-24. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  4. ^ a b "Combined Force Space Component Command Established at Vandenberg AFB". Schriever Air Force Base. Archived from the original on 2019-10-21. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  5. ^ "Formal Recognition of Joint Task Force-Space Defense Expands US Space". Air Force Space Command. Archived from the original on 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  6. ^ Hadley, Greg (12 December 2023). "USSF Creates New Component for SPACECOM". Air & Space Forces Magazine.
  7. ^ Erwin, Sandra (13 December 2023). "Space Force reorganizes command structure to streamline operations".
  8. ^ "SecAF redesignates Space Operations Command West as US Space Forces – Space". United States Space Force. 12 December 2023.
  9. ^ "Ceremony recognizes C/JFSCC designation, deactivates CFSCC, JTF-SD". United States Space Command.