The U.S. Air Force expects its new space operations directorate to achieve an initial operational capability (IOC) on Aug. 21, the service announced Aug. 17.
The Air Force also revealed that Shawn Barnes, its deputy director for legislative liaison, will become the directorate’s senior civilian, serving as the assistant deputy chief of staff for space operations. Maj. Gen. Pamela Lincoln, the mobilization assistant to the commander of the 14th Air Force, will take a similar title in the new organization.
The nomination process is ongoing for a three-star general to lead the directorate as the deputy chief of staff for space operations.
The Air Force announced in June that it would create the directorate to “integrate, normalize and elevate” space operations. The entity, also called A11, has an initial staff of 43 military personnel, government civilians and contractors.