Overview
- At a Jan. 21 ceremony in Arizona, Col. Brandon P. Alford took command of Space Forces Southern and the unit’s emblem was unveiled.
- SPACEFOR–SOUTH has been operational since Dec. 1, 2025, with the ceremony publicly marking its activation and mission alignment.
- The organization serves as SOUTHCOM’s space component, integrating capabilities such as positioning, navigation and timing, secure satellite communications, and space domain awareness for regional partners.
- Headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the unit will work with U.S. Space Command, Northern Command, the Air National Guard’s State Partnership Program, and international partners to strengthen interoperability.
- Officials cited recent operations to underscore space’s importance; SPACECOM’s support to the Jan. 3 mission targeting Nicolás Maduro was acknowledged, though specific roles for SPACEFOR–SOUTH were not disclosed and reports of its contributions remain unconfirmed.