Maj. Gen. James Smith Assumes Command of Space Training and Readiness Command at Patrick Space Force Base

was stationed at Patrick from 2012 to 2014, served as an Air Force squadron commander

BREVARD COUNTY • PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, FLORIDA — The U.S. Space Force continued to expand its footprint on the Space Coast as Maj. Gen. James Smith assumed command of Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) on Friday, becoming the third person to lead the unit since its inception.

Smith replaces Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, who guided STARCOM’s early development and its integration on the Space Coast. Smith received the command’s guidon, a traditional symbol of leadership transfer, from Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations.

Originally from Boise, Idaho, Smith commissioned in 1997 as the top graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. His career spans numerous space operations and acquisition positions, including command at the squadron, group, wing, garrison, and Field Command levels.

His staff assignments include Headquarters, North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Headquarters, Air Force Space Command; the Air Staff; the Space Staff; and the Joint Staff.

Smith has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Prior to his current position, he served as the Vice Director of Joint Force Development, J-7, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

“It’s fitting to take command here on the Space Coast,” Smith said during the change-of-command ceremony at Patrick Space Force Base. He was stationed at Patrick from 2012 to 2014, when he served as an Air Force squadron commander.

“This is the home of the Eastern Range and now the home of STARCOM headquarters. You’ve built a strong foundation — now it’s time to push this command to new operational heights.”

Although the Space Force operates independently, it remains under the Department of the Air Force, much like the Marine Corps functions under the Department of the Navy. The service currently has around 15,000 members, known as guardians.

Saltzman emphasized the strategic importance of STARCOM in the face of growing global challenges.

“This command has been accelerating in response to rapidly advancing technology and an increasingly tense global security environment,” he said. “Our adversaries are testing us with more provocative and sometimes reckless actions in orbit.”

STARCOM headquarters currently operates with fewer than 100 personnel but is expected to expand to over 400 as its operations grow. One of its five operational units, Space Delta 10 – Doctrine and Wargaming – is also setting up at Patrick SFB and is projected to add 150 more staff members in the coming years.

These units share facilities with Space Launch Delta 45, which oversees both Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station under Space Operations Command. Patrick is also home to the Air Force Technical Applications Center, which monitors global nuclear treaty compliance, and the Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing.

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