PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 held a Change of Responsibility ceremony July 27, 2026, at Peterson Space Force Base, officially transferring the duties of SBD 1 Command Senior Enlisted Leader from Chief Master Sgt. Martha Burkhead to Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Williams.

The traditional military ceremony symbolized the formal transfer of authority, accountability, and leadership between senior enlisted leaders, ensuring the continuous readiness and mission effectiveness of SBD 1.

Burkhead relinquished responsibility after serving as the command senior enlisted leader since August 2024. During her tenure, Burkhead successfully guided 18 congressional visits, securing $152 million in end-of-year funds, which culminated in the execution of a $1.2 billion budget that improved weapon system infrastructure and drove a $23 million housing renovation, ultimately earning the Space Force’s Housing Excellence Award and the Department of the War’s 2025 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award. She will now retire after 27 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Williams officially assumed responsibility during the ceremony, arriving at SBD 1 from Buckley Space Force Base in Denver, where she served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the National Reconnaissance Office's Mission Operations Directorate and the Aerospace Data Facility – Colorado. Williams brings 22 years of military experience to the role.

The ceremony was attended by the SBD 1 Commander, Col. Kenneth Klock, base personnel, and distinguished guests.

Space Base Delta 1 delivers world-class weapon-system infrastructure and combat support that enables the Space Force, Joint Partners, and Allies to execute global multi-domain and homeland defense operations.

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For questions or comments, please contact Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at: SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 invites members of the media to attend the official Change of Command Ceremony on July 28 at 10 a.m. during which U.S. Space Force Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock will relinquish command to Col. Charles J. Cooper.

The change of command is a time-honored military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit's guidon in front of the formation ensures the unit and its Guardians and Airmen are never without official leadership.

Klock has commanded SBD 1 since 2024, where his exceptional leadership provided pivotal direction to over 3,700 warfighters across seven installations, executing critical base operations support for 18,400 joint and allied personnel, resulting in the base being named the U.S. Space Force winner for the 2026 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. In support of advancing future force development, he rapidly restructured base operations to enable 24-hour support for the United States Space Force’s first-ever Officer Training Course. Klock leaves SBD 1 to become chief of staff at Combat Forces Command.

Cooper arrives at SBD 1 from Combat Forces Command where he served as the chief of staff, bringing a wealth of experience in space operations and leadership. As the new commander, Cooper will be responsible for overseeing comprehensive installation support for Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, the Maui Space Surveillance Complex and 23 geographically separated units around the globe.

Cooper will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Space Base Delta 1 delivers world-class weapon-system infrastructure and combat support that enables the Space Force, Joint Partners, and Allies to execute global multi-domain and homeland defense operations.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names, emails, and contact numbers for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2 p.m. MST on July 24.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 9 a.m. on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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Colorado Area Health Education Center (COAHEC) will welcome approximately 60 rural and underrepresented high school students from across Colorado to the 2026 HOPE Institute, a weeklong healthcare career exploration camp held at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Now through Saturday, August 1, students will participate in hands-on healthcare activities, learn from healthcare professionals, and explore educational and career pathways in medicine and other health professions. Through immersive programs, mentorship, and hands-on learning, the HOPE Institute helps build a stronger healthcare workforce for rural and underserved areas of Colorado.

We would be pleased to coordinate an opportunity for media to:

• Observe and photograph or record students participating in hands-on healthcare activities.

• Interview students about their interest in healthcare careers and their camp experience.

• Speak with camp leaders, CU School of Medicine faculty and healthcare professionals about the

importance of reaching rural and underrepresented students.

What: Media opportunities during the 2026 HOPE Institute, featuring hands-on healthcare career

exploration for approximately 60 Colorado high school students.

Who: HOPE Institute students, camp leaders, CU faculty and participating healthcare professionals.

When: Media opportunities are available throughout the week:

• Monday, July 27 – UCCS University Hall: (Nursing)

• Tuesday, July 28 – CU Anschutz Medical Campus: (Pharmacy, emergency medical services and

writing workshop)

• Wednesday, July 29 – UCCS Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center: (Athletic training,

exercise science and anatomy)

• Thursday, July 30 – CU Anschutz Medical Campus: (Neuroscience, Anatomy in Clay and dental

medicine)

• Friday, July 31 – UCCS University Center: (Student mock healthcare conference)

Where: University of Colorado Colorado Springs and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Specific locations and access details will be coordinated based on the selected day and activity.

About Colorado AHEC

Colorado AHEC (COAHEC) recruits, develops, and supports current and future healthcare professionals

while strengthening community outreach and engagement to improve access to quality care in Colorado’s

rural and underrepresented communities.