VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. –
During his first in-person all call since taking command last month, Lt. Gen. Dennis Bythewood outlined three top priorities for U.S. Space Forces–Space to maintain alignment to U.S. Space Command’s “Year of Integration” heading into 2026: deepening integration across the joint force and with allies, accelerating multinational space operations through the Multinational Force Operational Olympic Defender framework, and maintaining combat readiness as the threat environment intensifies.
Speaking to joint service members and civilian personnel Dec. 19, 2025, Bythewood drew on insights from his recent engagements with allies, combatant commands, and senior Space Force leaders, framing integration as synchronization of effects delivery for combatant commands and space defense more than organizational alignment. Bythewood emphasized that S4S must seamlessly fuse the Space Delta 5/Combined Space Operations Center mission of assured delivery with the Space Delta 15/National Space Defense Center mission of domain superiority to support terrestrial commanders.
“What matters is whether we can deliver effects when they’re needed,” Bythewood said, noting that structures and processes will continue to evolve to support mission execution.
Bythewood said integration encompasses how Space Force components operate together and with joint partners, as well as how cyber operations, commercial capabilities, and proactive operational concepts are incorporated to complicate adversary targeting. He highlighted the operational synergy between the CSpOC and NSDC, noting that streamlining the flow of intelligence and targeting data between the two centers is vital to closing kill-chains and giving Combatant Commanders a decision advantage.
On coalition operations, Bythewood highlighted recent engagements with allied nations in France, including his participation in a Combined Space Operations Initiative meeting. MNF-OOD members worked to advance the framework, moving beyond policy alignment to concrete plans for how they will command and control forces together in conflict.
“What we’re hoping is that by the time we’re executing multinational coalition operations, we’ve already worked through how we fight together,” Bythewood said.
Bythewood also reinforced expectations for combat readiness, noting that combat forces integrating into S4S arrive fully presented and ready to be executed from day one. He said leaders are working to reduce unnecessary administrative friction so operational units can remain focused on mission execution.
Building on the focus on personnel support, Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman, S4S command senior enlisted leader, along with Master Sgt. Vincent Spahr, S4S first sergeant, provided vital command updates and highlighted resources available to the force.
Bythewood concluded with a direct reminder about the threat environment facing the force, emphasizing the need for vigilance and discipline both on and off duty.