Space Force Announces Space Personnel and International Partnership

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman announced a new addition to the Space Force headquarters staff, bringing in a member of the Royal Air Force to the organization.

Air Marshal Paul Godfrey He took up his post on June 17 and will serve in the US Space Force as deputy chief of space operations for future concepts and partnerships after three years as the first commander of UK Space Command.

“This is a significant step forward in fostering closer cooperation with an important ally, and it exemplifies the type of partnership we must internalize as a service,” Saltzman said in a letter distributed to Guardians. “The integration of AM Godfrey into a senior staff is unprecedented, and it pushes the boundaries of what it means to be integrated by design.”

In his new role, Godfrey assumes the rank of air marshal, equivalent to lieutenant general, and will advise Saltzman on all matters related to achieving space superiority and resilience through international partnerships.

“The United States has a long history of international cooperation and collaboration across all domains, including space,” Godfrey said. “Partnerships allow us to build trust, share information, and truly integrate operations to maximize resiliency and defend against aggressive behavior. It is a true honor to serve in this new role alongside my American counterparts to deepen allied relationships and promote safety and security in space.”

One of Space Force’s focuses is “Partner to Win” – emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial relationships within the international community, the joint force and industry.

“Partnerships are critical to Space Force success,” Saltzman added. “We depend on the Air Force for vital infrastructure and mission support functions, we leverage commercial partnerships for our technical expertise and strong industrial base, and we rely on our international allies as critical force multipliers that strengthen our resiliency and competitive advantage.”

Godfrey was the first Commander of UK Space Command, established on 1 April 2021. Prior to this role, he served in the Middle East with the US Air Force’s Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, was Chief of Shipborne Power Projection for the UK Ministry of Defence and was Station Commander of RAF Lossiemouth, a Typhoon base in Scotland. He was also an exchange pilot with the US Air Force, serving with the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, from August 2000 to May 2003.