Senate Confirms Doug Schiess as Third Chief of Space Operations

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the third chief of space operations in the history of the Space Force. President Donald Trump nominated Schiess for this position earlier this year, and the confirmation came through a unanimous consent vote on Thursday evening.

Schiess's appointment marks a significant milestone as he transitions from his role as deputy chief of space operations to lead the Pentagon’s youngest military service. His promotion also includes receiving his fourth star, making him one of the most decorated officers in the Space Force. Schiess will succeed Gen. Chance Saltzman, who is set to retire this month after nearly four years at the helm.

During a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in July, Schiess expressed his commitment to upholding the trust placed in the Space Force by the American people. He pledged to ensure that the guardians of the service are well-prepared and equipped with resilient capabilities while maintaining strong partnerships within the military community.

A career space officer, Schiess has held several high-profile positions throughout his tenure. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the first commander of Space Forces-Space, a critical role that oversees the service’s operational component under U.S. Space Command. As deputy chief of space operations, he was responsible for overseeing policies and global operations.

Schiess's leadership will be crucial during a period of unprecedented expansion within the Space Force. The organization aims to double its personnel numbers to around 20,000 guardians by 2030 and is seeking an ambitious budget of $71 billion for fiscal year 2027. This funding request represents a significant increase from its previous requests, reflecting the growing importance of space capabilities in national defense.

The new chief will face several challenges as he leads the Space Force through a major transformation of its acquisition structure. The service is currently addressing workforce shortages and implementing reforms to streamline its operations and improve efficiency. These changes are essential for maintaining the readiness and resilience of U.S. space assets against evolving threats.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink praised Schiess's visionary leadership, emphasizing his ability to ensure that the Space Force remains equipped with cutting-edge technology while training guardians to deter potential conflicts. This endorsement underscores the high expectations placed on Schiess as he takes over a service undergoing rapid growth and modernization.

In addition to confirming Schiess for the top role, the Senate also approved other key nominations in space-related leadership positions. Erich Hernandez-Baquero was confirmed to serve as Air Force assistant secretary for space acquisition and integration, while Roger Mason will become director of the National Reconnaissance Office. These appointments further bolster the Space Force's capabilities and strategic direction.

Schiess’s confirmation represents a critical step forward for the Space Force as it continues to evolve into a robust military service capable of addressing the complex challenges of modern warfare in space. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of U.S. space defense operations.