Incoming Chief of Space Operations Solidifies Commitment to Grand Forks and UND

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) today considered the nomination of Lieutenant General Douglas Schiess to serve as the next Chief of Space Operations. If confirmed, Schiess, who previously served at Grand Forks Air Force Base from April 1993 to September 1995 in multiple missile operations roles, would become the third leader of U.S. Space Force, succeeding Gen. Chance Saltzman. During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus, secured Schiess’ commitment to maintain the Space Force’s partnership with Grand Forks Air Force Base and the University of North Dakota (UND). They also discussed preserving the service’s rapid acquisition culture as the Space Development Agency (SDA) transitions to a new format under the Space Force. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $250 million for a new Space Force operations facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base, expanding the installation’s role in next-generation space missions. During the hearing, Cramer highlighted Grand Forks’ existing SDA operations center and airborne ISR mission, calling it a natural fit for the growing Space Force presence on the base. He explained how the move cements North Dakota’s strong partnership with the Space Force. Asked by Cramer whether he would continue the Space Force’s partnership with Grand Forks, Schiess agreed he would. The discussion then turned to the future of the SDA following its integration into the Space Force. Cramer said while it wasn’t his ideas to include a provision in the NDAA eliminating SDA, he supports ensuring the Space Force maintains the speed and innovation which made SDA successful, particularly as responsibility shifts to the new Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs). “I'm confident because of the Space Force's vision that the new Portfolio Acquisition Executives will operate and function much like the Space Development Agency director, particularly as it aims to get the [low Earth orbit] constellation, the transport layer, utilizing spiral development,” said Cramer. Cramer stressed the importance of maintaining the pace of innovation as Schiess assumes leadership. “Now you get to implement them, and I’d be interested in how you see that playing out,” Cramer said. Schiess called SDA an “incredible organization” and said the Space Force intends to carry its successful acquisition practices into the new structure. “What I would say in working with Secretary Meink and if confirmed, continuing to work with him, the Portfolio Acquisition Executives are trying to take all of the things that the SDA did correct and put those in all of the PAEs,” said Schiess. “Secretary Meink talks about giving 90% of contracting to them. What I would say to you, if confirmed, I promise you to continue to work that so that all of our PAEs take some of that capability to bring on fast systems.” Cramer encouraged the Space Force to continue leading innovation across the joint force. Earlier in the hearing, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) said he was a skeptic about the Space Force at first and noted how Cramer was the principal sponsor of its creation. King noted how the Space Force is providing an essential part of the deterrent and the defense of the nation. Cramer pointed to Schiess’ exchange with King about the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), when King sought reassurance the Space Force wouldn’t be duplicating with NRO. “ This is a moment and an opportunity,” concluded Cramer. “ Space and NRO and the various silos working more jointly is an example that can be built upon by the entire joint force because it's necessary. We just can't afford duplication, but we also can't afford a clumsy joint force.”