The newest U.S. military branch, the U.S. Space Force, celebrated its second birthday on Monday.
The Space Force began on Dec. 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2020 was signed into law, establishing the force and giving the new branch its initial funding.
“Each day we are thankful for our #Guardians who made the decision to serve in the #SpaceForce,” the Space Force tweeted from its official Twitter account. “However, today on our 2nd birthday, we are especially grateful for their contributions to the mission. #HBDSpaceForce.”
Birthday wishes came in for the Space Force from around the U.S. military on Monday.
“Happy Birthday @SpaceForceDoD! Today, we celebrate the accomplishments, service and sacrifice of the guardians in the Space Force,” the Department of Defense Tweeted. “#SemperSupra.”
Semper Supra is the Space Force’s motto and is Latin for “Always Above.”
Gen. Jay Raymond, the Chief of Space Operations, tweeted, “Happy 2nd Bday Space Force! [Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger Towberman] and I thank you and your families for all you do each and every day in service to our nation. #SemperSupra.”
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall tweeted, “Happy 2nd birthday @SpaceForceDoD. In only a short few years, #Guardians across the globe have solidified the #SpaceForce as the world’s premiere space-focused military branch. Our nation is safer due to your watch on the ground, and towards the stars. #SemperSupra.”
As the Secretary of the Air Force, Kendall is in charge of the Department of the Air Force, which oversees both the U.S. Air Force and the Space Force.
On Monday, the Air Force wished a happy birthday to its sister branch.
“Happy 2nd Birthday @SpaceForceDoD!,” the Air Force tweeted. “Your unwavering dedication to organizing, training, and equipping #Guardians to conduct global space operations, enhancing the way our joint and coalition forces fight is unmatched, and our #Airmen are proud to serve with you.”
The U.S. Marine Corps also shared birthday wishes with the new military branch.
“Happy Birthday to @SpaceForceDoD! #OTD in 2019, Space Force was established. Space has become essential to our security and prosperity – so much so that the @DeptofDefense established a branch of our military dedicated to its defense. #spaceforce#HBDSpaceForce#SemperSupra.”
Adml Karl Schultz, the 26th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard also tweeted, “Happy Second Birthday to the @SpaceForceDoD from your shipmates in the @USCG. #HBDSpaceForce #SemperSupra.”
“Happy 2nd birthday to the U.S. Space Force!” Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted. “As the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces, you support a stable, secure, and accessible space domain. #SemperSupra.”
