Gen. John E. Hyten took command of U.S. Strategic Command from Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney during a change of command ceremony here Nov. 3. Hyten previously served as commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from August 2014 to October 2016.

While there, he was responsible for organizing, equipping, training and maintaining mission-ready space and cyberspace forces and capabilities for North American Aerospace Defense Command, STRATCOM and other combatant commands around the world. Presiding over the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter expressed his confidence in Hyten as the new STRATCOM commander.

"In the days to come, STRATCOM's mission will continue to remain vitally important to the bedrock of our security, and Gen. Hyten will lead this critical team with the full trust and confidence of me, Chairman Dunford and President Obama," Carter said. "The force he inherits is ready to execute any mission required, thanks to Adm. Haney's visionary leadership."

Carter reflected on his long history with Hyten, praising his leadership and accomplishments such as building interagency partnerships and a more resilient national security space enterprise.

"That's important work he'll continue here at STRATCOM, because there's more to be done to confront those 21st century threats - we have to continuously adapt, innovate and stay flexible," Carter said. "With his demonstrated leadership, expertise, managerial acumen and strategic vision, John will be a strong leader for this command for years to come - ensuring it meets not only the challenges we face today, but also those we'll confront in the future."

As the new commander of STRATCOM, Hyten said he is honored to follow in the footsteps of "some of the greatest leaders in the history of our country."

"In recent years, the leaders of USSTRATCOM have been heroes and mentors of mine," Hyten said. "Most recently that meant (retired Air Force Gen. Kevin P.) Chilton, (retired Air Force Gen. C. Robert) Kehler, and Haney, but there were many other heroes of mine before that. I know I am not their equal, not even close, but I am motivated to try to live up to their legacy.

"To each and every one of the amazing joint warriors of this command, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of U.S. Strategic Command, from all across our nation, and to our allies - who stand with us against the most dangerous threats on the planet - I pledge my best efforts to support you each and every day I am lucky enough to be allowed to command this incredible organization," Hyten added.

During the ceremony, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford presented the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to STRATCOM and spoke about the continuity of command.

"Tomorrow morning, just like this morning, the men and women of STRATCOM will wake up with complete focus and commitment to the mission, and complete trust in their leadership," Dunford said. "Day in and day out, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of (U.S.) Strategic Command protect our nation against strategic attacks, they prepare to defeat those who would attack us if deterrence fails, and they ensure that the joint force has assured access to space and cyberspace."

Hyten said he observed how "life seems to come full circle so often in ways you never expect," noting that 20 years ago, he and his family moved to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, when he assumed command of the 6th Space Operations Squadron.

"It was a special time both in my career and our lives," he said. "We loved that squadron, and we were so impressed with how the local community reached out and took care of us. We had a group of incredible Airmen and families, and we together accomplished some amazing things.

"And now, once again here we are. We've just packed and moved again from Colorado Springs to Nebraska to take command once again - this time of a slightly larger, slightly more complex organization in United States Strategic Command," Hyten continued. "It is great to be back here at Offutt. It is a special community with great people, so the circle is complete and we are excited to be here."

Hyten attended Harvard University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship, graduated in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in engineering and applied sciences, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Hyten's career includes assignments in a variety of space acquisition and operations positions. He served in senior engineering positions on both Air Force and Army anti-satellite weapon system programs.

Haney will retire from active duty in January after 38 years of service.