Space Command Lives: “Lots of rumors” that Air Force Space Command will be downgraded to less than a major command and headed by a three-star general are untrue, according to its acting chief, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz. He assured reporters during media roundtable Thursday that USAF’s top leadership recognizes AFSPC’s value in “enabling sea, air, and ground forces” to perform their missions, and that the command will remain a major command. Gen. Lance Lord stepped down as Space Command chief at the beginning of March, and the lack of an announced replacement fueled rumors of a command shakeup. Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), co-chair of the Congressional Space Caucus, upon hearing the rumors, wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld promising to fight any downgrade in AFSPC’s status.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.