Maintaining military dominance in space takes worldwide infrastructure — much of it overseen by Space Base Delta 1 in Colorado Springs.

While it’s easy to think of the delta at Peterson Space Force Base as just local installation support, Combat Forces Command Gen. Greg Gagnon said, it’s far more influential

“They set the foundation for us to project space power,” Gagnon said.

Many of those people are airmen because Space Force guardians only work in specific roles, such as satellite operations and electronic warfare among others.

Gagnon explained the Delta’s critical role as Col. Kenneth Klock handed leadership over to Col. Charles Cooper, the former chief of staff of Combat Forces Command, during a ceremony Tuesday at Peterson.

Gagnon highlighted Klock’s oversight of installations through key improvements, such as resurfaced roads on Peterson, noting a mile of new road a month was paved under Klock’s watch. Klock also worked on improving security and oversaw a $23 million housing renovation locally.

In addition, Klock helped secure over $2 billion in future resources for Pituffik Space Base in Greenland and helped execute a more than $300 million project for backup power generation at the base. The commander also oversaw Maui Space Surveillance Complex, as one of the telescopes on the base received an upgrade that allowed it to double its field of view and more than triple its sensitivity to objects in orbit.

“Ken Klock has crushed it,” Gagnon said.

Klock, a former soldier, will take Cooper’s role as chief of staff of Combat Forces Command as the two men swap roles this summer.

Klock’s wife, Jen Klock, was also recognized during the event for helping to found The Peak Pantry on Peterson and helping develop key support programs for squadrons, among other work.

The incoming commander, Cooper, is well qualified for the job, Gagnon said, noting he understands the structure of the Air Force and Space Force working together on one mission.

The Cañon City High School graduate served as a satellite systems operator in the early days of his career. As the youngest military branch was getting established, Cooper served as the chief of basing and units, according to his biography.

Now as the Space Force prepares to double in size over the next five years, Cooper said, he expects to see quite a bit of new construction and new units to absorb the growth. He noted some renovation projects are already underway on Peterson.  

“I do think it’ll be a challenge, but it’s not a challenge that is insurmountable,” he said of the expected growth.