The Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Kevin Chilton for a fourth star and to lead Air Force Space Command. Chilton has been in his current post, commander of 8th Air Force, for less than a year. The Air Force has not yet released an assumption of command date. The Senate also OK’d retention of three stars for Lt. Gen. David Deptula, who has been selected to become the first deputy chief of staff for intelligence at Air Force headquarters.
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…
