Command changes at UK Space Command and US Space Force

The Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and United States is built upon the common language, beliefs and cultures of both nations. Over time, it has been enhanced through shared military endeavours, which for the past 75 years have been bolstered further by our enduring partnership within NATO.

One of the latest examples of the special relationship working in practice has seen Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, the inaugural commander of UK Space Command, crossing the Atlantic to take up a new role with the US Space Force.  

In an unprecedented move, Air Marshal Godfrey took up the role of Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships on 17th June 2024. He will advise General Chance Saltzman, the Chief of US Space Operations on everything related to achieving space superiority and resilience through international partnerships.

“I am privileged to be appointed as the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships. Space is a team sport, and we cannot hope to maintain Competitive Endurance in the domain without a coalition of like-minded space-faring nations committed to responsible space behaviours. I am incredibly proud to be part of that team.”

“I am grateful to AM Godfrey for the fantastic job he has done, taking UK Space Command from inception to being an integral and capable part of UK and global defence and welcome his successor, Major General Tedman."

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton

Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton said: “The US is one of our closest partners in the space domain and I congratulate AM Godfrey on his appointment to the US Space Force, which will strengthen the special relationship we have with our US allies. He’s exactly the right person for the job and I look forward to our nations continuing to work together to maintain superiority in the space domain.”

Air Marshal Godfrey’s successor at UK Space Command, Major General Paul Tedman, a senior British Army officer, took over the Joint Command on 16 May 2024.

“I am delighted to have been selected to take command of UK Space Command and to lead our joint space forces.  It’s always a privilege to command but to do so in such an important domain, with such brilliant people, at such a crucial time, is very exciting.”

Major General Tedman

Prior to his appointment as Commander of UK Space Command, Major General Tedman spent two years at US Space Command in the role of Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5).

Major General Tedman was commissioned into the Army Air Corps in 1997 and was awarded his Army pilot’s wings in 1999.  Since then, he has held command positions from troop up to brigade in both the UK and the US, and has deployed on operations in the Balkans, Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. 

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