US Space Force commander in Greenland fired after Vance visit

WASHINGTON

The commander at the US Space Force base in Greenland, Col. Susannah Meyers, was fired after the visit of Vice President JD Vance to the headquarters last month.

The Space Operations Command announced in a Thursday statement that Meyers was removed from command due to "loss of confidence in her ability to lead."

"Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties," it said.

Col. Shawn Lee has now assumed the duty.

According to the media reports, Meyers sent a message to base personnel on March 31 – three days after Vance's visit – saying she had "spent the weekend thinking about Friday's visit – the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you."

"I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the U.S. administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base."

During his March 28 visit, Vance said the US would move to take over ownership of the Arctic island.

“What we think is going to happen is that the Greenlanders are going to choose, through self-determination, to become independent of Denmark, and then we’re going to have conversations with the people of Greenland from there,” he said.

Since returning to the office in January, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland despite Denmark's rejections.

Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X that the Department of Defense will not tolerate "actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert" Trump's agenda.