The commander of Air Force Space Command highlighted the command's achievements in his Year in Review - 2009 memorandum Feb. 10. Gen. C. Robert Kehler said in a year defined by mission shifts, the more than 46,000 people of Air Force Space Command chose to thrive, allowing joint forces to navigate with accuracy, see with clarity, communicate with certainty, strike with precision and operate with assurance.

"I credit the sharp and steadfast men and women of Air Force Space Command with our unprecedented success in 2009," General Kehler said. "We provided space, missile and cyberspace capabilities with an unwavering commitment and focus on mission success."

The memorandum included these highlights General Kehler called a most successful, transitional year delivering an ever-more effective arsenal of joint warfighting capability:

"We operate the most robust Global Positioning System constellation the world has ever seen," he said.

"In 2009, we launched the last of the GPS IIRM family of satellites and anticipate the launch of our next generation, GPS IIF, this year. Our launch and range enterprise extended its unprecedented streak of successful national security launches and achieved impressive milestones with the completion of the USAF Delta II program and launch of the 600th Atlas rocket.

"Our SATCOM combat capability increased by 200 percent as we operationally accepted WGS 1 and WGS 2, and look forward to another 100 percent increase with the operational acceptance of WGS 3 in early spring."

"Dec. 1, we successfully transferred the intercontinental ballistic missile mission to the new Air Force Global Strike Command," the general said. "Throughout 2010, AFSPC Airmen will continue to support AFGSC in guaranteeing a safe, credible, ready nuclear deterrent force with perfection as the standard.

In 2009, the Air Force senior leaders designated AFSPC as the lead Air Force major command for cyberspace.

"As a result, we transitioned Air Force Network Information Center and Air Force Frequency Management Agency to AFSPC May 4, and we stood up a new numbered Air Force, 24th Air Force, Aug. 18," General Kehler said.

"While the challenges are many, our strong wingman culture provides a leadership foundation and continues to be the framework around our Air Force family," he added.

From September 2008 through August 2009, we focused on the critical role our leaders play in executing the Command's missions. Under the banner, "Year of Leadership," we conducted activities emphasizing important leadership attributes and traits and in doing so raised the bar across the command."

Looking at 2010 and the second portion of the Year of the Air Force Family, General Kehler encouraged the command's people to maintain a visual on their wingmen, take care of their families, and keep safety at the forefront.

"We provide military-focused capabilities with a global perspective to the joint team," he said.