Photo By Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi | U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander, U.S. European Command and NATO...... read more read more
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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Fernengel assumed command of U.S. Space Forces in Europe – Space Forces Africa during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 10, 2026.
U.S. Space Forces in Europe – Space Forces Africa, also known as SPACEFOREUR-AF, is the Space Force component responsible for integrating space capabilities in support of the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. The component supports operations across 51 countries in Europe and 53 countries in Africa.
“Space is inherently joint, interagency, and multinational,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “It holds the connective tissue that binds our joint force together and helps us take apart that of any adversary.”
Grynkewich highlighted the growth of SPACEFOREUR-AF under U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, including the expansion of the component to more than three times its original size.
“The rise of space and cyber have demanded the need for multidomain operations, which requires new command and control, new capabilities and a different way of thinking about it,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “The U.S. remains the gold standard for space operations.”
Anderson highlighted the importance of space capabilities to operations across two distinct areas of responsibility.
U.S Space Force Lt. Gen. Dennis O. Bythewood, U.S. Space Forces - Space commander and Combined Joint Force Space Component commander for U.S. Space Command, also emphasized the broad scope of SPACEFOREUR-AF’s mission.
“The Space Forces Europe and Africa mission is broader than probably any Space Force component that we have," Bythewood said. “It requires a steadfast leadership that is out there day in and day out, pounding the pavement, making connections, and making sure that we're driving the integration necessary for space forces to be effective.”
Fernengel previously commanded the 4th Space Control Squadron and Space Delta 3, where he led units focused on space electronic warfare and electromagnetic warfare operations. Most recently, he served as the director of Plans and Programs, Office of the Deputy of Chief Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements for Headquarters U.S. Space Force.
Fernengel said the command must continue adapting while maintaining strong partnerships and developing its growing force. He emphasized urgency, initiative and continuous improvement as the component enters its next phase.
“The adversary is watching, and we need to adapt,” Fernengel said. “The shifting geopolitical landscape, a seemingly increased cooperation among competitors, as well as technology advancements, will require us to evolve as we navigate an ever-changing operational environment.”
Fernengel succeeds Middleton, who retires this fall after 34 years of military service. Middleton’s tenure included significant growth of the component and expanded operational capabilities across the European and African theaters.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2026 08:47 |
| Story ID: | 572292 |
| Location: | RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, DE |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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