Vandenberg Air Force Base changes name in honor of Space Force at official ceremony

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Vandenberg is ready for launch into a new era of space exploration, innovation and defense. The base is now the third in the country to carry the Space Force name.

A changing of the guard took place at a special ceremony in front of hundreds of people. The 30th Space Wing flag was rolled up and retired and replaced by a Space Launch Delta 30 flag.

Vandenberg Air Force Base, as it's been known since 1957, is now Vandenberg Space Force Base.

"I am so excited for Vandenberg, for the community, for this organization, on this significant step that we're taking today," said Colonel Anthony Mastalir.

Space Force personnel will be known as Guardians, not Airmen. But most things won't change much. They'll continue to ensure launch providers have an area to safely test missiles or put satellites into orbit.

"What we're doing is part of a larger issue that we see on the horizon," Mastalir said. "Building the range of the future to be ready to support the increased demand for space lift. We're seeing it already. A lot of new venture capital is being poured into space."

That stands to benefit nearby cities like Lompoc.

"We see not only the military but also the commercial launches that are expanding," said Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne, one of many local leaders attending the renaming ceremony. "That partnership where we can provide support, personnel, jobs, housing."

The base will continue to protect American interests in space. Colonel Mastalir says China and Russia are building weapons designed to negate space capabilities.

"Everything that is supported by space capabilities is at risk if we're not prepared and ready to defend should the day come," Mastalir said.

The base is preparing for its 2000th launch later this year.