HOUSTON – Two University of Houston students are making history as they enter directly into the United States Space Force.
According to an announcement made by UH, the university Air Force ROTC cadets are the first members of Detachment 003 to directly enter into USSF.
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Lieutenants Christopher Williams and Mitchell Montalvo will serve in the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
According to UH, Williams, who graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, originally wanted to be a chemist in the Air Force.
“During my time in the Air Force ROTC program, I did an internship at NASA and that’s when I shifted by focus to space operations,” Williams said. “I definitely think this is the right fit for me.”
As a part of the Space Force, Williams will be responsible for directing space surveillance, assisting third-party companies with launches, monitoring space warnings and satellite command and control.
Like Williams, Montalvo also had plans to join the Air Force, but redirected his sights on the USSF after realizing opportunities to make an impact in the new military organization.
According to UH, Montalvo will be assigned to various jobs such as missile detection, satellite command and control or examining orbital debris.
“I want to create a culture that’s able to grow the young branch and keep a positive attitude towards doing the best for our country,” Montalvo said.
According to UH, Montalvo and Williams’ will begin begin basic training as space operations officers at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California; however, their entrance is delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.