The Army's 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade added another company to its stable of active duty and reserve units in an Oct. 16 ceremony, according to an Army release.

Newly minted commander Maj. Jack Bierce, a veteran of the company's parent Space and Missile Defense Command, received the 8th Space Company's new guidon, then passed it to the company's first sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Wade Parker, the release said.

"This is a historic moment that highlights the growth of space in the Army," battalion commander Lt. Col. Bryan Shrank said. "We knew over a year ago who the command team needed to be for this organization." 

The 1st Space Battalion first stood up in 1999, and since has steadily added active duty and reserve companies to its ranks. The organization is spread out at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, and within the 76th Operational Response Command in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The 1st Space Battalion and its units are responsible for monitoring and maintaining U.S. satellites. Members of the battalion redeployed in September from a nine-month stint at U.S. Central Command.

"I am proud and honored to be the first company commander for the newly activated U.S. Army Reserve space company," Bierce said. "I couldn't be prouder of the soldiers in our unit and look forward to our adventure together."

Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.

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