AFA Congratulates Schiess on Confirmation as Chief of Space Operations 

ARLINGTON, Va., August 7, 2026 — The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) commends the Senate’s confirmation of Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess as the United States Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations. Upon his promotion to general, Schiess will become the third CSO since the Space Force’s establishment in December 2019, succeeding Gen. B. Chance Saltzman. 

“Doug Schiess takes charge of America’s newest service at a crucial time in American and Space Force history,” said AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.). “No modern military action takes place without space at its core, not just as an enabler, but an indispensable component required to win. General Schiess is well prepared to lead the Space Force at a dynamic time of growth and technological change. We are confident that he is the right leader at the right time to take the Space Force into its second decade.”

Nominated in April, Schiess is currently Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations. He previously commanded U.S. Space Forces–Space, the Space Force’s component to U.S. Space Command, and prior to that commanded the 45th Space Wing. 

AFA also extends its profound gratitude to Gen. Chance Saltzman for his service as the second Chief of Space Operations. “Gen. Saltzman brought a warrior’s mindset to the role of CSO and oriented the Space Force for the future fight in, through, and from space,” Field said. “He will be remembered as a consequential leader at a foundational time in the Space Force’s history.”  

About AFA  

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.