Change of Command for Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base
Jarrod Zinn
LOMPOC, Calif. – There’s new leadership at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Space Launch Delta 30 has a new commanding officer as of this morning.
A ceremony bid a formal farewell to Colonel Mark Shoemaker, as he passed the flag to Colonel James T. Horne III.
Space Launch Delta 30 hosted their change of command ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base’s outdoor parade grounds Tuesday morning.
“I told you from this very stage two years ago that I would take this responsibility with great pride and with great humility,” said Col. Mark A. Shoemaker, who is retiring from Space Launch Delta 30’s command position. “I worked hard to hold true to that from day one until today.”
Colonel Shoemaker is retiring after 28 years of service.
After delivering a speech, he passed the flag to Colonel Horne, who is no stranger to Vandenberg.
“We’re just super excited to be back on the Central Coast,” says Col. James T. Horne III, Space Launch Delta 30’s new commander. “It’s it definitely holds a special place in my and my family’s heart.”
Promoted to Colonel in June of 2021, Horne spent the last two years as Senior Material Leader at Space Systems Command, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
“This is our third stay at Vandenberg,” says Col. Horne. “First, I was in training for nuclear missiles, and then second time here I was the squadron commander for the 30th Range Management Squadron from 2015 to 2017. And now back.”
Colonel Horne’s service record speaks for itself,
and his colleagues welcome him warmly and confidently into his new leadership position.
“My family and I are just super excited to be back and to work with everyone, to continue the mission of this great base in this community,” says Col. Horne.
Col. Horne looks forward to the various community partnerships ahead, as he will oversee Vandenberg’s plans to greatly increase the number of launches at the base.
We’ll certainly be hearing more from Col. Horne in the months ahead as he steps into his new role as commander of Space Launch Delta 30.
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