A change of command ceremony marked the transition of leadership for Space Delta 10 at Patrick Space Force Base on July 17, 2026. Col. Leah Shubin officially assumed command during the event at The Tides, a venue on base, following the transfer of the unit’s guidon from Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, who led the command since 2023. The ceremony, attended by military personnel and local officials, symbolized the formal shift of authority and responsibility for the unit’s operations.
The guidon transfer is a traditional military practice signifying the end of one leader’s tenure and the beginning of another. Maj. Gen. Smith, who has served in multiple roles across the U.S. Space Force, handed over the guidon to Shubin, a decorated officer with a background in space operations and training. Shubin’s appointment comes as Space Delta 10 continues its mission of training and readiness for the Space Force, a responsibility that has grown in importance with increasing global reliance on space-based systems.
Shubin, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, has held positions at both the strategic and tactical levels, including roles at the Space Training and Readiness Command. Her new role places her at the helm of a unit responsible for preparing personnel for space operations, a task that has become more complex with advancements in satellite technology and the expansion of space warfare capabilities. The unit’s work includes simulating scenarios for space defense and ensuring readiness for potential conflicts in orbit.
The ceremony drew attention from local leaders, including members of Brevard County’s congressional delegation, who emphasized the importance of the Space Coast’s role in national defense. With Patrick Space Force Base hosting multiple military and commercial space operations, the region remains a key hub for U.S. space efforts. Shubin’s leadership will be watched closely as the unit navigates challenges in training personnel for an increasingly competitive and technologically advanced domain.