Space Force
Space Force will play a role in the 60th presidential inauguration, a historic first for the youngest branch
Stars and Stripes
January 12, 2025
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven E. Vera, non-commissioned officer in charge of technical training for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, trains 45 augmentees on marching in preparation for the 60th Presidential Inauguration at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. (Jordan Powell/U.S. Air Force)
Space Force guardians will participate fully in the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 in Washington, a significant milestone for the youngest branch of the military which was created during president-elect Donald Trump’s first administration.
Forty-five guardians from across the country arrived recently at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling for training to augment the U.S. Space Force Honor Guard and march alongside units during the presidential inauguration: the Air Force Band, U.S. Air Force Academy, active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves.
“This is a great opportunity for guardians to get out on their marks and represent their service in front of a global audience,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. David McLellan, commander of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, who oversees U.S. Space Force Honor Guard training. “This is actually the first time in the Space Force’s five-year history that they have been able to fully represent their service in a presidential inauguration.”
The guardians will go through an intensive 12-day training period, during which they will get instruction to master the fundamentals of serving in an honor guard. They will learn precision movements, military drill procedures and ceremonial protocol.
“These members truly embody the guardian spirit and exemplify the Space Force’s core values,” said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Massoth, U.S. Space Force Honor Guard senior enlisted leader. “By stepping up as volunteers, they represent every guardian who has raised their right hand to serve their nation. This opportunity puts them on a global stage to honor their service and our branch’s crucial role in defense.”
Nearly 8,000 National Guard troops will also be present to provide security support during inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wayne Lufkins, flight instructor for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, trains weapon fundamentals to Space Force Honor Guard augmentees in preparation for the 60th Presidential Inauguration at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. (Jordan Powell/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned as Honor Guard augmentees practice drill for the joint service cordon for the 60th Presidential Inauguration at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, Jan. 8, 2025. (Jordan Powell/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned as Honor Guard augmentees practice drill for the joint service cordon for the 60th Presidential Inauguration at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington Jan. 8, 2025. (Jordan Powell/U.S. Air Force)