Gurnee native transfers into Space Force
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Col. David Hanson, a Gurnee, Illinois native and 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, transferred into the Space Force Dec. 30, 2020.
Hanson, a 1989 graduate of Warren Township High School, currently serves as the Commander of the 821st Air Base Group and the Installation Commander of Thule Air Base in Greenland — the Department of Defense's northernmost installation. He is responsible for the administration and security of the base, the Department of the Air Force's largest overseas military installation.
As the senior U.S. Department of Defense representative in Greenland, Hanson guides international relations ensuring compliance with all agreements between the U.S., Danish and Greenlandic governments. The base enables force projection, space superiority and scientific research while working with various allies and supporting local communities.
The installation falls under Space Operations Command, the first field command of U.S. Space Force, which protects America and its Allies in, from and to space, now and into the future. The organization also generates, presents and sustains combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces and serves as the USSF Service Component to U.S. Space Command.
“I hold the responsibility of command very high,” said Hanson. “It's an honor to lead the people of the Department of Defense's northernmost installation and to serve with them.”
Hanson transferred into the Space Force via a virtual ceremony with his family and friends in attendance.
Gen. John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, administered the oath of office for the branch and officially transferred the colonel into the USSF.
“I look forward to the opportunities to help stand up a new branch of military service, help shape this new organization for the next generation,” said Hanson.
The new Space Force Guardian credits his hometown with influencing his upbringing and leadership style.
“My experiences growing up in the town of Gurnee shaped my values — family, strong relationships and hard work,” said Hanson.
During the 10 years he resided in the area, Hanson was a member of Boy Scouts Troop 75, the Waukegan YMCA swim team and played for the high school football team, in addition to helping establish the school's first swim team.
Hanson credits his family's support to his success in the Air Force, and now the Space Force.
“I'm incredibly fortunate to have had the support of my wife and our four children through 10 moves, 12 houses and multiple schools,” he said. “I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”
For more information on Hanson's career, see his biography: https://www.peterson.spaceforce.mil/About/Biographies/Display/Article/1921198/colonel-david-g-hanson/.