BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley Space Force Base senior leadership, community leaders, mission partners, members of the Aurora Rotary Club, and the Aurora Chamber's Defense Council gathered for the annual State of the Base in Aurora, Colorado, Jan. 24, 2024.
Each year, Buckley leadership briefs the surrounding community and special interest groups at the State of the Base. Among the topics discussed are the current and future endeavors of the installation, as well as the previous year's economic impact. The keynote speakers were U.S. Space Force Col. Heidi Dexter, Space Base Delta 2 commander, and U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Charles Shurchay, SBD 2 senior enlisted leader.
Team Buckley consists of a dedicated group of over 12,000 base personnel who work diligently daily to deliver unrivaled global support to our combatant commands, joint mission partners, and allies, empowering uninterrupted missile warning, intelligence, and cyber operations. Additionally, Buckley provides essential support to over 94,000 servicemembers, retirees, civilians, contractors, and family members. A total of 117 mission partners collaborate to support a wide range of missions at the installation.
"This annual gathering is filled with district partners and leaders who play a vital role in the success of Buckley Space Force Base's mission," said Dexter. "I am truly blessed to be surrounded by an incredible community, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work side by side with all of you."
Congressman Jason Crow, who represents Colorado's Sixth Congressional District, made his first appearance at this State of the Base. Crow and his team work to ensure Buckley has access to aircraft and power supply assets, which is essential for safeguarding America's interests.
"Buckley Space Force Base is integral to our community and national security. I was grateful to join military and community leaders for State of The Base to hear about their great work in 2023 and exciting projects heading into 2024," said Congressman Crow. "I look forward to continuing to support Buckley's growth and the well-being of Colorado's servicemembers."
During the event, Dexter and Shurchay elaborated on SBD 2's mission, vision, and priorities to inform community members further of the installation's goals for the future.
"Over the course of 2024, we will continue to accelerate change by streamlining innovation with our community, and mission partners while modernizing Space Force capabilities as a digital service," said Shurchay.
Additionally, the presentation discussed the accomplishments of each tenant unit on the installation. One of the accomplishments and successes of SBD 2 in 2023 was the transition of the Army's Joint Tactical Ground Stations (JTAGS) to the Space Force. For decades, these satellite ground stations have been operated by the U.S. Army and have been officially handed over to Space Delta 4.
Another accomplishment in 2023 was that Buckley opened its new visitor center at the Mississippi Avenue gate. This joint project was a combined effort between several agencies that closed a ten-year deficiency, modernizing the overall base defensive posture for Buckley and its mission partners. The 460th Civil Engineer Squadron also expanded its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives training (CBRN) to include a gas chamber to prepare and ensure further mission readiness.
Throughout 2023, Team Buckley contributed $2.55 Billion as an economic impact to the Aurora and local communities. The Department of the Air Force has changed how economic impact is calculated to match the Bureau of Economic Analysis methodology. The newly revised economic impact now includes the various construction projects, materials, supplies, services, and disbursement of salaries for our workforce.
"As our base and its missions continue to grow, so will the economic contributions to Aurora, Denver, and ultimately the Colorado front range," said Dexter.
She also briefed that The Air and Space Force Warfare Symposium will be held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora.
In conclusion, Dexter offered a heartfelt thank you to community members, including Representative Crow, stating that the continued partnership serves as a reminder of why Buckley is the premier space force base.