The service will put into motion recommendations made by the congressionally chartered Space Commission, a group that looked at national security space activities and suggested steps to strengthen and streamline how national leaders, the Department of Defense and the Air Force manage space.

The DOD recently reviewed the report and agreed with its recommendations.

"This is an historic event in the Air Force's ongoing pursuit of aerospace integration and advanced space capabilities, and we are excited to tackle these new challenges," said Acting Secretary of the Air Force (Dr.) Lawrence J. Delaney.

"We recognize the trust the Secretary of Defense has placed in the Air Force and we are ready to implement his directives."

Air Force Space Command Commander Gen. Ed Eberhart describes this transformation of space as a critical step.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the Air Force," Eberhart said. "We're excited about what this will mean for all aspects of our space program, and especially what it will mean for America's security.

"We're working closely with our service partners and all of DOD to implement the commission's recommendations."

The intensive planning underway by the Air Force and other services will implement the Space Commission's far-reaching set of recommendations involving space organization and management improvements, to include career force development, acquisition, operations, budgeting, and planning at the national, DOD and Air Force levels.

Among the commission's specific recommendations the Air Force will be designated as the executive agent for space within DOD and the undersecretary of the Air Force will be assigned as the Space Acquisition Executive and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.

The commission also recommended realigning the Space and Missile Systems Center to become part of Air Force Space Command and enhancing space career and professional development.

The SMC realignment under AFSPC will involve Air Force Materiel Command; and its four-star commander is enthused by the way ahead.

"SMC becoming part of Air Force Space Command consolidates space acquisition and operations functions under one commander, creating a strong center of advocacy for space systems and resources," said Gen. Lester Lyles, AFMC commander.

"Space priorities will be set by a single command -- Air Force Space Command -- ensuring the Air Force continues to provide unrivaled military space capabilities and leadership. AFMC, meanwhile, will still provide acquisition and science and technology support to AFSPC after SMC has been realigned."

Gen. Michael E. Ryan, Air Force chief of staff, described the changes ahead in the DOD and Air Force space program as comprehensive and far-reaching, a true watershed event.

"As a nation, we are more dependent on space than ever before for our economic and security needs," Ryan said. "These changes to our space program are necessary, and truly profound. It's an exciting time to be on the leading edge of the transformation of our military space capabilities."

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