[SatNews] Colonel Chris Moss has assumed command of the 30th Space Wing in a change-of-command ceremony at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

Moss assumed command from Col. Keith Balts upon his selection for reassignment to Peterson AFB, Colorado, where he will become the Air Force Space Command Inspector General.

Lt. Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) and Joint Functional Component Command for Space, presents the 30th Space Wing guidon flag to the incoming 30th SW commander, Col. J. Christopher Moss, during a change of command ceremony, July 9, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

U.S. Air Force photo by Michael Peterson.

"To the men and women of the 30th Space Wing, you have literally changed the world with what you have accomplished," said Balts. "There aren't any specific jerseys for the members of Team V, but we share the same field, we know each other's plays, and we function as one when it counts the most. The size of our team may be big and diverse, but the scoreboard keeps lighting up with great accomplishments."

Some of Moss' past assignments include tours as the director, operations and interagency integration, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, USSTRATCOM and principal deputy director, mission operations, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, VA; chief, current operations division, Joint Staff J33, deputy director for nuclear, homeland defense, and current operations; and commander, 614th Air and Space Operations Center and director, Joint Space Operations Center, here. Moss earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and has master's degrees from Webster University, the Naval Postgraduate School and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, Korean Defense Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Air and Space Campaign Medal.

"Vandenberg is a special place," said Moss. "The things we do here are unbelievably important, and the people who do them are simply amazing. What we provide our nation in terms of unique launch and range capabilities, missile defense, space command and control, satellite operations, operations training, ballistic missile and space testing, and all the countless other things needed to enable those and make them work represent a one-of-a-kind capability. No other military installation in the world does all the things that we do. We must, under every circumstance, be able to execute our missions, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That puts a special burden on us to deliver every single day. It's incredible and inspiring to me how well you meet that burden. Brenda and I are honored and absolutely ecstatic to have the chance to be a part of it, so let's get started."

Story by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio
30th Space Wing Public Affairs