Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna visited Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico on September 4, 2025. The visit included meetings with Guardians and civilians, a briefing, an awards presentation, and a question-and-answer session focused on the contributions of Kirtland personnel to the U.S. Space Force mission.
Bentivegna’s agenda involved receiving updates from Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), touring important facilities, and hosting a town hall with Guardians. Kirtland Air Force Base is home to about 1,200 Guardians.
“Visiting bases like Kirtland allows me to witness firsthand the incredible work our Guardians are doing,” said Bentivegna. “These visits serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that our Guardians make daily, and I am beyond honored to witness it and advocate on their behalf. The work being done here, from research and development to operational support and joint integration, is vital to our success in the space domain and our ability to protect the nation.”
The visit highlighted ongoing collaboration between SSC, AFRL, and other partner organizations at Kirtland. These groups are engaged in research, development, and operational activities aimed at maintaining U.S. space superiority. Their efforts include advancements in satellite technology and new space systems that support national security.
