The Senate confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. John Hyten to receive a fourth star to lead Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colo. In this role, he will oversee the more than 40,000 airmen around the globe who make up the Air Force’s space and cyber forces. Hyten will succeed Gen. William Shelton, who has commanded AFSPC since January 2011. President Obama tapped Hyten for this leadership post in March. The Senate gave its blessing on April 9. Hyten has been AFSPC’s vice commander since May 2012.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
