Members Of US Space Force Will Be Known As 'Guardians'

US Vice President Mike Pence has announced that US Space Force personnel will now be known as "guardians". 

He made the announcement on the service's first birthday, saying: "It is my honour, on behalf of the President of the United States, to announce that henceforth the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as guardians.

"Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardians will be defending our nation for generations to come."

The US Space Force Twitter account explained the decision-making process behind the name: "Today, after a year-long process that produced hundreds of submissions and research involving space professionals and members of the general public, we can finally share with you the name by which we will be known: Guardians.

"The opportunity to name a force is a momentous responsibility. 

"Guardians is a name with a long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983, 'Guardians of the High Frontier'.

"The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the people and interest of the US and its allies."

The Space Force was first announced by President Donald Trump in June 2018 as the sixth branch of America's armed forces, "separate, but equal" to the US Air Force.

Its main initiative is to enhance the protection of US satellites and other space assets

President-elect Joe Biden has not made any comment on his plans for the Space Force.

Cover image: US Space force uniform (Picture: US Department of Defense).