Combat Forces Command’s Mission Delta 9, Mission Delta 3 Top Teams at Guardian Arena 2025

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  • By USSF Combat Forces Command Public Affairs
  • Combat Forces Command
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Combat Forces Command’s (CFC) Mission Delta 9 (MD9) and Mission Delta 3 (MD3) teams placed first and second, respectively, at this year’s Guardian Arena 2025, hosted at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, December 8-9, 2025.

Guardian Arena is an annual United States Space Force event designed to test competitors with physical, academic and tactical challenges to measure operational readiness. The competition emphasizes the importance of cultivating a combat-ready mindset, connecting military and civilian space enterprises, and building esprit de corps by putting the Guardian Ideals into action.

“This competition is designed to forge stronger, more resilient Guardians,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “It's a test of strength, endurance and mental sharpness. Demanding a commitment to push your team's limits and master your physical and cognitive abilities.”

This year, MD9’s Capt. Coen Williams, 1st Lt. Jakob Studtmann and 2nd Lt. Kaleb Holcomb demonstrated exceptional teamwork, strategic thinking and physical prowess to defeat thirty-five teams—comprised of U.S. Space Force Guardians, U.S. Air Force Airmen, civilians and representatives from international allies and partners—and secure first place in the competition. MD3’s team also displayed determination and skill throughout the competition to secure second place.

“Our team performance is a reflection on Mission Delta 9's orbital warfare culture,” said Williams, “where we plan, execute, WIN, and debrief, whether it is a mission against an adversary, within an exercise, in an internal physical competition, or at Guardian Arena. Physical discipline drives mental superiority, making us strong and adaptable in the face of any challenge.” 

CFC is driven by a culture of excellence and is dedicated to preparing its space warfighters to meet the nation’s most complex operational demands by advancing mission-focused professional development, advancing force generation models, and refining training pipelines.

“Our power is our people,” said Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, CFC commander. “It takes a small investment in training them and a free investment in empowering them.”

U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command, one of three Field Commands, is the U.S. Space Force’s Service Force Provider. CFC is focused on generating and presenting combat-ready forces capable of achieving space superiority. CFC encompasses eight distinct, but integrated mission deltas and three space base deltas focused on Space Domain Awareness; Space Electromagnetic Warfare; Missile Warning and Tracking; Cyberspace Warfare; Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting; Satellite Communications; Orbital Warfare; and Navigational Warfare. Get the latest Combat Forces Command news at https://www.ussf-cfc.spaceforce.mil/, on Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

For questions and further information, please contact USSF CFC Media Operations at 719-554-3731 or e-mail cfc.pa.media@spaceforce.mil. Get the latest Combat Forces Command news at https://www.ussf-cfc.spaceforce.mil/, on Facebook, or on LinkedIn.
 

 

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