Command, and United States Forces Korea. On July 27, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden nominated Saltzman for promotion to general and appointment as the second chief of space operations (CSO) of the Space Force. One of four lieutenant generals considered, Saltzman was a dark horse candidate for the job. The outgoing CSO, General Raymond, with whom he has close personal ties dating back years, strongly supported his selection. Saltzman testified before a United States Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on 13 September 2022. In his opening statement, he mentioned three broad fronts he would focus on as CSO: maturing as an independent service, leveraging partnerships, and innovating to accomplish missions. His nomination was confirmed by voice vote of the Senate on September 29, 2022. On November 2, 2022, Saltzman assumed office as the second chief of space operations during the Space Force's first change of responsibility ceremony. He pledged to build on the Space Force's achievements while also infusing the service with new approaches. In January 2023, he released three lines of efforts that would guide his term as chief: (1) fielding combat-ready forces, (2) amplifying the guardian spirit, and (3) partnering to win. Personal life Saltzman married Jennifer (Petersen) Saltzman on September 12, 1992. They have two children, John and Sarah. Awards and decorations Saltzman is the recipient of the following awards and decorations: Badges Ribbons Awards Air Force Association's Thomas D. White Space Award (2021) Dates of promotion Writings Books Articles Thesis References External links |- |- |- |- |- |- |- 1969 births Living people Boston University alumni University of Montana alumni George Washington University School of Business alumni Squadron Officer School alumni Air Command and Staff College alumni School of Advanced Air and Space Studies alumni Air War College alumni Harvard Kennedy School alumni University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni Office of the Chief of Space Operations personnel Military personnel from Kentucky Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal Recipients of the Legion of Merit United States Air Force generals United States Space Force generals Chiefs of Space Operations