SECDEF visits USSPACECOM

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with U.S. Space Command and Joint Task Force-Space Defense members to learn more about their protect and defend missions in Colorado Springs, April 29. During his visit, Sgt. 1st Class Maurice Erickson, National Space Defense Center space battle manger, explained his role in supporting the center's execution of space domain awareness, indications and warnings and space superiority operations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Dennis Rogers)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, and Joint Task Force-Space Defense leaders to discuss the U.S. Department of Defense's space strategy, deterrence and the vital contributions of space to national security and prosperity. (U.S. Space Force Photo by Kathryn Damon)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin joins U.S. Space Command leadership at the National Space Defense Center operations floor during his visit to the region April 29, 2021. Austin met with other senior leaders across the combatant command to discuss the U.S. Department of Defense's space strategy, deterrence and the vital contributions of space to national security and prosperity. (U.S. Space Force Photo by Dennis Rogers)