VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. –
U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Dennis O. Bythewood officially assumed command of U.S. Space Forces – Space in a ceremony Nov. 4, here following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 30.
In his new role, Bythewood also becomes the Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander on behalf of United States Space Command.
This marks the first change of command for S4S since its establishment on Dec. 6, 2023.
Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, who led the organization for more than three years, relinquished command after overseeing its evolution from Space Operations Command–West into a fully operational component field command. Schiess will next serve as the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations at the Pentagon.
S4S is the field component responsible for commanding combat-ready space forces in support of U.S. Space Command’s Area of Responsibility. Alongside Allies and partners, S4S delivers space superiority and global space-enabled effects to the Joint Force.
Prior to this assignment, Bythewood served as the Special Assistant to the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations.