US Space Force Appoints New Commander for Europe and Africa
The U.S. Space Force has appointed Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Fernengel, commander of U.S. Space Forces Europe and Space Forces Africa (SPACEFOREUR-AF), following a change-of-command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on 10 August 2026. Fernengel succeeds Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, who is retiring this autumn after 34 years of military service. During Middleton’s tenure, SPACEFOREUR-AF grew to more than three times its original size, with expanded operational capabilities across Europe and Africa.
SPACEFOREUR-AF is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for supporting U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Its area of responsibility covers 51 countries in Europe and 53 in Africa.
Space capabilities in U.S. operations across Africa
Speaking at the change-of-command ceremony, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, highlighted the role of space and cyber capabilities in military operations across the command’s area of responsibility.
“The rise of space and cyber have demanded the need for multidomain operations, which requires new command and control, new capabilities and a different way of thinking about it,” Anderson said. “The U.S. remains the gold standard for space operations.”
U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of EUCOM and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also highlighted the importance of space capabilities to joint military operations. “Space is inherently joint, interagency, and multinational,” Grynkewich said. “It holds the connective tissue that binds our joint force together and helps us take apart that of any adversary.”
The command’s responsibilities across both regions require coordination with military and other partners to integrate space capabilities into operations. U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Dennis O. Bythewood, commander of U.S. Space Forces – Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component commander for U.S. Space Command, described the breadth of the unit’s responsibilities. “The Space Forces Europe and Africa mission is broader than probably any Space Force component that we have,” Bythewood said, emphasising the need for sustained leadership, partnership-building and integration to support space operations.
Fernengel takes command amid changing operational requirements
Fernengel previously commanded the 4th Space Control Squadron and Space Delta 3, units focused on space electronic warfare and electromagnetic warfare operations. Before his appointment, he served as director of Plans and Programs in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements at U.S. Space Force Headquarters.
In his remarks, Fernengel said SPACEFOREUR-AF would need to continue adapting to changes in the operational environment while maintaining partnerships and developing its growing force.
“The adversary is watching, and we need to adapt,” Fernengel said. “The shifting geopolitical landscape, a seemingly increased cooperation among competitors, as well as technology advancements, will require us to evolve as we navigate an ever-changing operational environment.”
Fernengel’s appointment places him at the head of a command responsible for supporting U.S. space operations across Europe and Africa, with its next phase following the organisational growth and capability expansion achieved under Middleton.