SPACE BASE DELTA 1 CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PITUFFIK SPACE BASE (Photo) - 08/14/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 commemorated the 75th anniversary of Pituffik Space Base during a ceremony Aug. 12, 2026, in northwest Greenland. Pituffik is the northernmost military installation supporting our national security, and this milestone commemorates three-quarters of a century of strategic Arctic operations, space tracking, and vital early warning capabilities, made possible by an enduring Danish, Greenlandic, and Canadian partnership.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pituffik Space Base, originally built in 1951. Under the leadership and support of Space Base Delta 1, the installation continues to provide unmatched missile warning and space surveillance capabilities from the Arctic.

Located 690 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Pituffik offers a strategic "Top of the World" vantage point. The installation is operated by the 821st Space Base Group, with SBD 1 at Peterson SFB providing base operation support, and enables critical force protection and tracking capabilities for the nation and its partners.

The base also serves as a cornerstone of aerospace defense. It hosts the 12th Space Warning Squadron, which operates the Upgraded Early Warning Radar to detect ballistic missile launches, and the 22nd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 7, which operates the northernmost remote tracking station in the Satellite Control Network, providing telemetry, tracking, and commanding operations for hundreds of military and government satellites. Additionally, Pituffik SB is home to the northernmost deep-water port and a 10,000-foot runway, providing a unique platform that supports international scientific research in the Arctic region.

Built in 1951 following a mutual defense agreement between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark, the installation was originally known as Thule Air Base. Throughout the Cold War, it functioned as a vital early warning outpost and an intermediate stop for transpolar flights. Since 1952, the base has been sustained through the harsh, ice-locked winter months by "Operation Pacer Goose," a massive annual summer maritime resupply mission.

On April 6, 2023, the installation was officially renamed Pituffik Space Base (pronounced bee-doo-FEEK). This historic renaming was conducted to better reflect the base's modern mission, while paying homage to its profound ties to the Greenlandic people and their cultural heritage. Today, the resilient community that calls Pituffik home is comprised of personnel from the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark, all working side-by-side in one of the world's most extreme environments.

To support coverage of the 75th anniversary events, photos and an article covering the event are provided below. Media outlets are authorized and encouraged to utilize these provided resources to highlight the historical and strategic significance of the installation. All provided media is cleared for public broadcast and publication. Please credit "Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs" when utilizing these assets in your reporting.

• PHOTOS: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9866272/pituffik-space-base-marks-its-75th-year
• ARTICLE: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572467/pituffik-space-base-celebrates-75th-anniversary

For questions or comments, please contact Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at: SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil  

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SPACE BASE DELTA 1 WELCOMES NEW SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER (Photo) - 07/27/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 held a Change of Responsibility ceremony July 27, 2026, at Peterson Space Force Base, officially transferring the duties of SBD 1 Command Senior Enlisted Leader from Chief Master Sgt. Martha Burkhead to Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Williams.

The traditional military ceremony symbolized the formal transfer of authority, accountability, and leadership between senior enlisted leaders, ensuring the continuous readiness and mission effectiveness of SBD 1.

Burkhead relinquished responsibility after serving as the command senior enlisted leader since August 2024. During her tenure, Burkhead successfully guided 18 congressional visits, securing $152 million in end-of-year funds, which culminated in the execution of a $1.2 billion budget that improved weapon system infrastructure and drove a $23 million housing renovation, ultimately earning the Space Force’s Housing Excellence Award and the Department of the War’s 2025 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award. She will now retire after 27 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Williams officially assumed responsibility during the ceremony, arriving at SBD 1 from Buckley Space Force Base in Denver, where she served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the National Reconnaissance Office's Mission Operations Directorate and the Aerospace Data Facility – Colorado. Williams brings 22 years of military experience to the role.

The ceremony was attended by the SBD 1 Commander, Col. Kenneth Klock, base personnel, and distinguished guests.

Space Base Delta 1 delivers world-class weapon-system infrastructure and combat support that enables the Space Force, Joint Partners, and Allies to execute global multi-domain and homeland defense operations.

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For questions or comments, please contact Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at: SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil

SPACE BASE DELTA 1 TO HOLD CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY (Photo) - 07/23/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 invites members of the media to attend the official Change of Command Ceremony on July 28 at 10 a.m. during which U.S. Space Force Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock will relinquish command to Col. Charles J. Cooper.

The change of command is a time-honored military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit's guidon in front of the formation ensures the unit and its Guardians and Airmen are never without official leadership.

Klock has commanded SBD 1 since 2024, where his exceptional leadership provided pivotal direction to over 3,700 warfighters across seven installations, executing critical base operations support for 18,400 joint and allied personnel, resulting in the base being named the U.S. Space Force winner for the 2026 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. In support of advancing future force development, he rapidly restructured base operations to enable 24-hour support for the United States Space Force’s first-ever Officer Training Course. Klock leaves SBD 1 to become chief of staff at Combat Forces Command.

Cooper arrives at SBD 1 from Combat Forces Command where he served as the chief of staff, bringing a wealth of experience in space operations and leadership. As the new commander, Cooper will be responsible for overseeing comprehensive installation support for Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, the Maui Space Surveillance Complex and 23 geographically separated units around the globe.

Cooper will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Space Base Delta 1 delivers world-class weapon-system infrastructure and combat support that enables the Space Force, Joint Partners, and Allies to execute global multi-domain and homeland defense operations.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names, emails, and contact numbers for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2 p.m. MST on July 24.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 9 a.m. on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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