Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna visited Kirtland Air Force Base and met with Guardians (those in diverse missions that safeguard the nation’s access to and freedom of action in space) on Sept. 4 to gain a deeper understanding of local space operations and underscore the installation’s growing role in advancing national defense through innovation and enlisted force development.
During his visit, Bentivegna received mission overviews from Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), toured key facilities and hosted a town hall with Guardians. The trip emphasized Kirtland’s strategic importance as home to
approximately 1,200 Guardians.
“Visiting bases like Kirtland allows me to witness firsthand the incredible work our Guardians are doing,” said Bentivegna. “These visits serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that our Guardians make daily, and I am beyond honored to witness it and advocate on their behalf. The work being done here, from research and development to operational support and joint integration, is vital to our success in the space domain and our ability to protect the nation.”
The visit also reinforced the importance of collaboration between SSC, AFRL and partner organizations at Kirtland, which are leading research, development and operational efforts to maintain U.S. space superiority. From advancing satellite technology to
pioneering new space systems, these missions directly contribute to national security.