Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, commander in chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Space Command, and Air Force Space Command commander, visited Osan May 28 through May 30.

During his visit, General Eberhart took time to visit Osan's Joint Tactical Ground Station, a forward-deployed SPACECOM asset responsible for theater ballistic missile warning for Pacific Command. He also discussed what space command does to contribute to the nation's warfighting capability, and how space is a growing part of today's military operations.

"Space command is a very important part of the team," General Eberhart said. "We are war fighters supporting war fighters. The men and women who are space experts are critical to today's warfighting capability. In the past, if we could have used space for these purposes, we were better off. Now, space is an essential ingredient. We've learned to rely on what we get from space; therefore, you don't leave home without it, and you don't fight a war without it."

The general also said space is vital to other military operations.

"Space isn't just about the fight, but the entire spectrum," he said. "We rely on space for communications, navigation, timing, surveillance, reconnaissance and weather forecasting. We use it in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. It's part of everything we do."

General Eberhart also talked about looking at space in other ways as well.

"Space is the ultimate high ground," the general said. "Not only do we have to use it, we have to be able to defend it and deny our enemy the use of space if we are at war. It doesn't mean communications and navigation are less important, but we have to ensure space superiority for our commanders and men and women who rely on it during the fight."

While getting the word out on how important the role of space is in today's military and how critical space superiority is, General Eberhart said taking care of the people who help the United States exploit space is just as important.

"When I was young and growing up in the Air Force we didn't have to walk to school in snow both ways with no shoes," he said. "For years and years, we thought if you were overseas, especially on a remote assignment, things were supposed to be tough.

"We've come to realize that is wrong," he said. "In my view, quality of life and infrastructure is very important overseas, even when on unaccompanied tours. The Department of Defense and the Air Force are continually looking for ways to improve quality of life for those far from home."

General Eberhart also wanted to reiterate messages from senior leadership throughout the DoD of its esteem for the men and women serving their country.

"It's so important we can't say it enough," he said. "I have great admiration and respect for the people serving -- including civilians, guardsmen and reservists -- regardless of what branch of service you're in, what job you do or where you do it, but when you serve away from home, the comforts of home and family, it's a challenge. I thank everyone for all they do. It's so important and I know it's not easy, but your leaders greatly respect what you do."

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Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
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