Vandenberg Space Force Base held Change of Command Ceremony

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. - Vandenberg Space Force introduced a new Commander Friday morning during a Change of Command Ceremony.

Col. Robert A. Long now commands the Space Launch Delta 30 after relieving Col. Anthony J. Mastalir, according to United States Space Force.

“We must not only be creative, but define creativity. Not only be bold, but define boldness. And in the end, leave no doubt. We will launch a test above the rest," said Col. Long.

Col. Long was the Deputy Commander of Space Delta 5 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Prior to his position, Col. Long was the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Mastalir commanded spacelift and range operations and was also responsible for installations spreading over 118,000 acres and more than 11,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel.

“It’s time for me to go. I’ve given you everything that I have. And I’m eternally grateful that you’ve responded in kind,” said Col. Mastalir.

During his time, Col. Mastalir was highly praised for his handling of the pandemic.

Listed with every base in California, Vandenberg Space Force Base ranked first in California for infection rate. It is also currently first in the U.S. Space Force and second in the U.S. Air Force for the number of vaccinations administered, according to Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting.

"I vividly remember the rows of sewing machines we setup, staffed by volunteers from across the base... and you came together and you produced and distributed thousands of masks for our community, for our base, when our supply channels were empty," said Col. Mastalir.

The ceremony was presided by Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.