The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michelle Idle, SSC mobilization assistant to the commander, who oversaw Col. Jason West’s assumption of command. “The Space Force’s System Delta framework aligns our acquisition programs within mission areas, allowing us to synchronize efforts and streamline the work between acquisitions and operations with our Mission Delta counterparts,” Idle said. “The framework consolidates and unifies existing command authorities and activities to foster unit cohesion, align command priorities and optimize the force.”
SYD 85 consists of three System Program Directors responsible for Battlespace Awareness, Battle Management and Space Access and Networked Services, alongside a System Program Manager focused on Space Intelligence. These teams will develop and deliver sensors, antennas, data systems and software to address threats in and through the space domain.
“Our mission in SYD 85 is to deliver effective, integrated and supported capabilities to enable space superiority and to forge a new generation of acquisitions professionals to defend our forces, homeland and allies,” West said. “In close collaboration with the PEO BMC3I, Space Operations Command Mission Deltas, combatant commands, intelligence community and other partners, SYD 85 is leading the way to rapid and effective fielding of new capabilities and cross-cutting integration of weapon systems critical to our national security.”
The SYD model consolidates design, development and delivery of systems under mission-focused acquisition structures, complementing Mission Deltas that handle sustainment and readiness. This alignment ensures improved coordination, unity of command and support for national security interests in, from and to space.
Additional SYDs will be activated in the coming weeks, including SYD 81 for Test and Training, SYD 88 for Satellite Communications, SYD 89 for Combat Power, SYD 831 for Position, Navigation and Timing, and SYD 80 for Assured Access to Space. The U.S. Space Force confirmed these activations will not alter its overall field command structure or require significant relocation of personnel.
“Our systems are the foundation that makes all other systems work. Without battle space awareness, we are blind, without intelligence, we are lost,” West said. “On Day One, I have one standing order for SYD 85, I want you to seize the opportunities that this SYD affords. SYD 85 strengthens connections that enable the warfighter mentality and empowers combatant commands to win the strategic advantage for the first move.”
