Steffan Lyson
General Stephen Whiting stepped into his new role as the Commander of the U.S. Space Command in January 2024. He brings over three decades of experience, specializing in aerial and space operations and receiving merits as he ascends through the ranks. General Whiting is one of the most ideal candidates to speak for the 2024 Space Summit on March 5, 2024.
Learn more about the federal space industry’s current developments, future technologies, and primary goals. Sign up to become a member of the Potomac Officers Club and register for the 2024 Space Summit today.
Take a deep dive into the experience, expertise, and skill set of Gen. Stephen Whiting, earning him a distinguished position in the U.S. Space Command.
Meet Stephen Whiting
Gen. Stephen Whiting has been an active-duty soldier since 1989. He had spent most of his career in the U.S. Air Force (USAF), specializing in joint commands, operational command and control, missile warning systems, space surveillance, and satellite operations. Gen. Whiting held increasing responsibilities in the USAF until 2020.
Below are the military ranks General Whiting has assumed over the years:
U.S. Air Force
- Second Lieutenant – May 31, 1989
- First Lieutenant – May 31, 1991
- Captain – May 31, 1993
- Major – July 1, 1999
- Lieutenant Colonel – March 1, 2002
- Colonel – March 1, 2006
- Brigadier General – July 8, 2013
- Major General – May 2, 2017
U.S. Space Force
- Lieutenant General – October 21, 2020
- General – January 10, 2024
Stephen Whiting’s commands and academic accomplishments
Stephen Whiting was first commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant in May 1989 as a distinguished graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. He completed his undergraduate space training at the 14th Student Squadron a year later as a top graduate. Over the first few years of his command, Mr. Whiting served at the 6th Space Warning Squadron.
Mr. Whiting continued to display excellence in his professional journey in the U.S. Air Force. His leadership experience includes serving in management roles at the U.S. Strategic Command, RAND Corporation, the Navy’s Strategic Studies Group, the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Air Force Space Command.
Throughout the years, Mr. Whiting also strengthened his educational background. He boasts a Master of Arts in Administrative Sciences from George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Airpower Strategy from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and a Master of Arts in Military Operational Arts and Sciences from the Air Command and Staff College.
Hear the opening keynote of Stephen Whiting for the 2024 Space Summit
Gen. Stephen Whiting is joining the roster of speakers at the 2024 Space Summit. He is participating as the opening keynote speaker, where he is set to share his office’s efforts to develop new technologies, make strategic investments, and address threats to the future of the United States’ space industry.
Aside from General Whiting, attendees also get to hear insights from space leaders, including Dr. Derek Tournea, Director of the Space Development Agency at the Department of the Air Force, who is delivering the morning keynote address.
Delve into the space industry’s commitment to ensuring space dominance in the global space race. Register for the Potomac Officers Club-hosted 2024 Space Summit to learn more about the path the government takes toward the success of the space sector.
Stephen Whiting’s role in the establishment of the United States Space Force (USSF)
Mr. Whiting was one of the pioneers who established the U.S. Space Force (USSF) on December 20, 2019. Prior to its official designation as a fully-fledged military department, it was previously temporarily designated as the Air Force Space Command, where Mr. Whiting also served as the Deputy Commander.
Following the USSF’s institution, Mr. Whiting continued serving as its Deputy Commander. In less than a year, he became one of the first officers to transfer to the Space Operations Command (SpOC), further solidifying his credibility in the space sector. He was later designated as the Commander of the SpOC and was promoted to Lieutenant General.
In July 2023, Mr. Whiting was nominated for promotion to general, along with an appointment to lead the United States Space Command as the Commander. He was confirmed in this position in December 2023 and finally assumed office at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado on January 10, 2024.
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