BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Jennifer McGinniss has assumed duties as the Deputy Commander of Space Base Delta 2, bringing nearly three decades of tactical, operational, and strategic Department of the Air Force experience to the host unit of Buckley Space Force Base.
In this role, Col. McGinniss will help lead SBD 2's mission to deliver unrivaled global combat support, enabling joint and allied dominance across all warfighting domains. SBD 2 provides critical installation functions for over 15,000 personnel and 117 tenant units, including the strategic missile warning capabilities of Mission Delta 4 (MD 4)
Originally from Northern California, McGinniss began her Air Force career as an enlisted financial management Airman, later earning her commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2003. She has served across six major commands, the Air Staff, joint organizations, and most recently as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of War (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer at the Pentagon, where she helped connect strategic financial policy with operational defense requirements.
Now, at Buckley, Col. McGinniss will oversee critical modernization and infrastructure initiatives aimed at ensuring installation resilience. This includes ongoing electrical grid hardening, advanced energy resilience programs to guarantee uninterrupted power to national security assets, and the expansion of Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) capabilities to secure the base's restricted airspace.
"It is an absolute honor to join the Space Base Delta 2 team as the deputy commander," McGinniss said. "My initial impression is that we have an incredibly impressive organization. The people here are exceptionally smart and deeply dedicated to the mission."
Serving at both the operational and strategic levels throughout her career has given McGinniss a broad understanding of how the Department of the Air Force works together to accomplish complex missions. This perspective is vital as SBD 2 continues to modernize its installation capabilities, focusing on electrical grid hardening, general energy resilience, and expanding Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) to secure the base's restricted airspace. Regardless of assignment, she said one lesson has remained constant: mission success depends on the people behind the scenes as much as those in the spotlight.
McGinniss emphasized that while only a portion of the installation's personnel directly track missiles, the broader strategic mission remains entirely dependent on those performing essential support roles; from securing the gates and maintaining facilities to caring for families and keeping the lights on. "I've learned throughout my career that no job is too small when it contributes to mission success.” McGinniss said. “Every person plays a role in keeping this installation moving."
That perspective has also shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing personal dedication and flexibility—traits crucial to SBD 2's operational lines of effort, from day-to-day operations to base weather safety protocols.
"In the military, we don't always get to choose our assignments, our locations or the challenges placed in front of us,” McGinniss said. "I've always believed in blooming where you're planted. Every assignment is an opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. If you focus on giving your best to the team where you are today, you'll be prepared for whatever comes next."
As she settles into her new role, McGinniss said she also looks forward to strengthening the ties between Buckley and the surrounding community.
"Our service members, civilians, contractors and their families don't just work at Buckley, they're part of this community," McGinniss said. "The support we receive from our neighbors is invaluable, and I look forward to strengthening those relationships."
Outside of her official duties, McGinniss spent much of her youth outdoors and is excited to rediscover that passion with her family while exploring Colorado's mountains.
As she begins her tenure as deputy commander, McGinniss said her priority is getting to know the people who make Team Buckley's mission possible.
"I'm excited to be a part of Team Buckley," McGinniss said. "I'm looking forward to meeting everyone who makes this mission possible, hearing your perspectives and supporting the incredible work you do every day."