The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, will become the headquarters of the Space Systems Command (SSC) sometime this summer, under the just-released organizational structure for the newest armed service. The Los Angeles site will serve as the Space Force’s innovation center, according to the plan.
“SMC led the nation in developing and delivering unparalleled, enduring space capabilities to the warfighter and our nation’s allies,” said. Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, the SMC commander. The redesignation “will further build on the success we’ve seen … while synchronizing the science and technology research, capability development, system production, launch operations, and system sustainment efforts to more effectively deliver cutting-edge space systems needed to ensure the future of our national security and prosperity.”
The Space Force’s other commands are:
• Space Operations Command, established last October, which is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces who engage in warfighting operations.
• Space Training and Readiness Command, which will stand up sometime later this year. It will oversee training, education, professional development doctrine, and operational tests of fielded systems.