Space Forces-Northern Welcomes New Commander

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Forces-Northern held a change of command ceremony Oct. 13, at Peterson Space Force Base, transferring leadership from Brig. Gen. Robert J. Schreiner to Brig. Gen. Phillip A. Verroco.

Presiding over the ceremony was U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, vice chief of space operations, provided additional remarks.

"We're in the business of providing manpower, expertise and systems to operate in space, gain and maintain space superiority, deny our adversary space capabilities, and through our combatant commands, protect the joint force and our homeland from space-enabled attack," Bratton said. "Space Forces-Northern is the critical space-based link to NORTHCOM's defense of our nation; Space Forces-Northern provides the NORTHCOM team with a critical edge in combating all adversary threats."

Guillot lauded the command's contribution to joint operations, highlighting space superiority as essential to homeland defense.

"Modern homeland defense cannot succeed without uncompromised superiority in the space domain," Guillot said. "Space Forces-Northern rapidly transformed from a conceptual blueprint into an indispensable warfighting organization."

During the ceremony, Guillot presented Schreiner with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as Space Forces-Northern commander from Aug. 23, 2025, to Oct. 13. The award citation credited Schreiner's leadership with delivering initial operating capability for the U.S. Space Force component command in five months, activating the unit four years ahead of schedule.

Schreiner established critical command-and-control structures, synchronized joint operational planning, and secured essential manpower and resources. He also integrated Air Force Reserve interservice transfers with active-duty personnel, strengthened space support for continental defense and civil-support missions, and built relationships across the joint force, civilian agencies, and regional allies and partners.

"When we activated Space Forces-Northern, we proudly unfurled our new flag and immediately got to work standing up a team of Guardians with a singular focus: to support U.S. Northern Command and integrate space power in the defense of our homeland," Schreiner said in his farewell remarks to the Guardians of Space Forces-Northern. "The culture you fostered, the excellence you demonstrated and the partnerships you built will echo across the combatant command for years to come."

Reflecting on the foundation established by the command's Guardians and partners, Verroco outlined his approach to sustaining that momentum in an evolving operational environment.

"We will stay up to date with the changing operational environment. We'll modify our approach as needed to make sure that we stay in line with the commander's intent, but the path to operate, integrate and mature is well chosen," Verroco said. "The line 'standing guard both night and day' harmonizes well with the motto, 'We have the watch.'"

With Verroco assuming command, U.S. Space Forces-Northern will continue integrating space capabilities into joint operations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting homeland defense missions.