VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Space Launch Delta 30 hosted U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, Space Systems Command commander, for an enterprise-wide all-call at the base theater at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 9, 2026.
Addressing thousands of military and civilian mission partners across the command, Garrant outlined his vision for the future of SSC, focusing on acquisition reform, workforce feedback and the vital role of spacelift in delivering capabilities on orbit.
Garrant explained how workforce sentiment, captured through recent survey data from civilian, military and contractor personnel, enables command leadership to prioritize key organizational improvements in support of the mission. The survey demonstrated strong performance across the enterprise in leadership backing, resource capacity and mission affinity.
During his address, Garrant detailed structural transformations underway across the service as it transitions from traditional Program Executive Officer organizations to the new Portfolio Acquisition Executive model, all to streamline SSC’s capabilities for more effective mission support.
Garrant emphasized that achieving space superiority depends directly on operational execution, commending Vandenberg personnel for managing an increasing operational tempo.
“Our most visible mission in the Space Force is launch, now more than ever and we’ll grow even more,” said Garrant. “The fact that Vandenberg has more launches to date … does not go unnoticed. All these fantastic satellites don’t go anywhere without a spacelift. You deliver the space warfighting capability on orbit.”
The event also featured the command's new senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Ryan, who presented his leadership philosophy centered on stoicism, personal accountability and leading by example.
Ryan’s philosophy is based on a foundation of stoicism, he said, which focuses on controlling what you can control, and having a mental attitude of leading by example.
“Today, I did not sleep well last night, I’ll admit it. I got up at 4:30 a.m. and ran three miles, because that’s what I need to do, and that’s my own choice,” Ryan shared. “I could have easily just turned off the clock and slept a little longer, but once again it’s that discipline, that choice I decided to make this morning.”
The gathering concluded with the recognition of standout personnel from across the command.
Honorees attending live at Vandenberg Space Force Base included U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Alexander M. Alexander, 30th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, who was named one of the Department of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year and First Sergeant of the Year; U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Matthew P. Wood, 2nd Range Operations Squadron assistant deputy commander, recipient of the SSC Operations Execution Award; and U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Feiyu Xue, 2nd Space Launch Squadron chief innovation officer, recipient of the SSC Innovation Award.
Garrant commended the award winners and nominees, noting that direct communication and workforce readiness remain foundational as Space Systems Command accelerates mission delivery to the warfighter.