Saltzman Recognized with O’Malley Space Visionary Leadership Award 

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 17, 2024 – Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman was awarded AFA’s “Jerome F. O’Malley Space Visionary Leadership Award” at the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference for his contributions to advancing our nation’s interests in space. The O’Malley Trophy and commemorative medallion were jointly presented by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, AFA Chair Brig. Gen. Bernie Skoch, USAF (Ret.), AFA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), and Sharon O’Malley Burg, daughter of the award’s namesake. 

Established to honor leaders who drive innovation and risk-taking to enhance space capabilities, the Jerome F. O’Malley Award highlights Saltzman’s impactful career in space operations. As a colonel in 2015, he established the Joint-Intelligence Community Space Operations Center, which later became the National Space Defense Center, creating a crucial link between the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community for space defense. 

Saltzman also led the Air Force’s Multi-Domain Command and Control initiative, earning the title “Father of Multi-Domain Operations” and laying the groundwork for the Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. In 2019, he became the first space officer assigned as Deputy Commander for U.S. Central Command’s Combined Force Air Component, where he enhanced integration between air and space forces in combat. 

“General Saltzman embodies the vision and innovation essential to the Space Force’s future,” Field said. “His leadership has been pivotal in shaping our nations space capabilities.” 

The Jerome F. O’Malley Space Visionary Leadership Award was established in 2021 to recognize outstanding visionary leaders within the Space community. The award recognizes individuals who have pioneered the path to building the Space Force, U.S. Space Command, and other organizations instrumental to protecting and advancing our nation’s interests in space. 

The Air & Space Forces Association is proud to honor Gen. B. Saltzman with the 2024 Jerome F. O’Malley Space Visionary Leadership Award for his extraordinary service. 

Congratulations, General Saltzman! 

About AFA   

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for investment and support for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and for supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 120,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces.