US European Command (EUCOM), US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the US Space Force officially activated the US Space Forces Europe and Africa Component Command (USSPACEFOR-EURAF) at a ceremony in Ramstein Air Base (AB), Germany, on 8 December 2023.
The new command will be staffed with around 30 soldiers and led by Colonel Max Lantz of the US Space Force, EUCOM stated in a press release. The command will play an important role in supporting EUCOM’s growing needs for space-based capabilities such as satellite navigation, communications and integration with NATO allies and partners.
The activation of USSPACEFOR-EURAF at Ramstein AB is part of the US Department of Defense’s ongoing effort to establish Space Force service components within the US combatant commands in support of the joint force.
“The activation of USSPACEFOR-EURAF is a demonstration of our commitment to strengthening joint space capabilities in this region,” said US Air Force Lieutenant General Steven Basham, deputy commander of EUCOM. “We are focused not only on protecting our space assets, but also on enabling and enhancing the command’s ability to provide space effects in support of our missions alongside allies and partners.”
“For Germany, the US is the most important partner in the development and expansion of space capabilities,” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was quoted as saying by EUCOM. “The activation of the US Space Forces Europe and Africa component at Ramstein Air Base underscores both the rapidly growing military importance of space and the importance of Germany as a reliable ally and base for the US armed forces,” he added.
