BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Ernest Schmitt assumed command of Space Delta 4 from Col. Miguel Cruz during a change of command ceremony that took place at the Leadership Development Center at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2023.
During the change of command ceremony, Cruz relinquished command to the presiding officer, Maj. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Space Operations Command vice commander, and Schiess passed the Space Delta 4 guidon to Schmitt.
The transition of the guidon symbolizes Schmitt’s acceptance as the new commander of Space Delta 4.
In Schiess’ remarks, he highlighted the important role Space Delta 4 plays in the protection of our national security and how exceptional leadership is key.
“It’s very important that a mission area so critical and crucial to determining potential attacks, protecting human lives, and if necessary enabling a defensive response are led by a remarkable leader,” said Schiess. “Col. Cruz has been that leader for the last two years leading with a bold ‘kill chain starts with us mentality’.”
Cruz reminisced about his time as commander and warmly welcomed Schmitt as the new commander of Space Delta 4.
“Commanding Space Delta 4 has been the best thing that has happened to me in my professional life,” said Cruz. “Col. Schmitt, you will do great and I can’t wait to see how you take Space Delta 4 to the next level.”
In his first address as commander of Space Delta 4, Schmitt expressed how important the mission is that he will now be supporting, and he is grateful to the members of Space Delta 4 for all of their hard work and dedication to our nation.
“I understand how this delta is critical to the defense of our nation, and how our mission supports almost everything we do in the Department of Defense,” said Schmitt. “I look forward to taking the next steps together.”
Semper Supra!