U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific News

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U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific commander, presents the guidon to Col. John Patrick, incoming commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan, during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)

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U.S. Space Force Col. Ryan Laughton, outgoing commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan, relinquishes the guidon to U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific commander, during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)

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From center left, U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific commander, Col. Ryan Laughton, outgoing commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan, and Col. John Patrick, incoming commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan, stand at attention during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)

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U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific commander, speaks at the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)

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U.S. Space Force Col. John Patrick, incoming commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan, provides remarks during the U.S. Space Forces - Japan change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2026. This event marked a historic milestone as the first transfer of leadership for the recently established component, highlighting the growing integration of bilateral space operations in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Carissa McSwain)

United States Space Forces - Japan Holds First Change of Command

Published June 8, 2026
By Capt. Tisha Yates
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S. Space Forces - Japan marked a historic milestone June 3 as it held its first change of command ceremony, highlighting the growing integration of space operations in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific commander, served as the presiding officer, overseeing the transfer of leadership for the recently established component as Col. John Patrick assumed command from Col. Ryan Laughton.

Throughout the ceremony, leadership emphasized the space domain's evolving role, characterizing space as a critical enabler and an indispensable force provider to the joint force to meet the demands of a competitive strategic environment.

“The United States and Japan are working together to modernize our roles, missions, and capabilities within the alliance,” Denaro said. “That modernization is happening here with real results from the teamwork between Japan and U.S. personnel.”

Laughton departs after guiding the command through its initial stand-up phase and laying the groundwork for bilateral space operations alongside Japan. This groundwork included establishing the first framework for fielding U.S. Space Force terrestrial capabilities in Japan, the first Space Operations Center–Japan, and expanded space integration in major exercises, helping integrate space capabilities into combined operational planning.

"When I stood at this podium 546 days ago, Maj. Gen. Mastalir said, 'The Indo-Pacific is the heartbeat of global prosperity, innovation, and growth. Driven by the energy of our Japanese allies, this dynamic region is poised to shape the future for generations to come,'" Laughton said. "The weight of history standing up a brand-new component within this 'heartbeat' was certainly as poignant then as it is today. It has truly been an honor helping shape what the space mission looks like for our two nations."

Patrick takes the helm with a mandate to further operationalize the U.S.-Japan strategic space partnership and fully integrate space capabilities into regional defense strategies.

"What I look forward to most as the commander of U.S. Space Forces - Japan is continuing to build on the incredible foundation that Col. Laughton has set," Patrick said. "First and foremost, we will continue to defend the homelands, employ and deploy space capabilities, and ensure we maintain space superiority and lethality for our joint, coalition, and allied partners."