Douglas Schiess becomes U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations

Gen. Douglas Schiess has assumed command as the third Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. During a Change of Responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on September 3, 2026, Schiess succeeded Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Schiess, who previously served as the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, enters the role as the service transitions from its foundational establishment phase toward a focus on combat readiness and force expansion. He emphasized that the Space Force’s objective is deterrence through the development of combat credibility and the achievement of space superiority.

His tenure is expected to oversee a period of increased procurement and scaling, including rising demands for new satellites, weaponry, and personnel. Schiess noted that integrating into the Joint Force will require rapid scaling of manpower and space capabilities, leveraging industry partnerships to advance weapon systems and operational methods.