DeKalb GA News

Pituffik Space Base commander, Colonel Susannah Meyers, was removed from her position following a Military.com report detailing an email she sent to personnel at the Greenland base. The email reportedly distanced her from President Trump’s national security policy on Greenland following a visit by Vice President J.D. Vance.

Meyers had taken command of the 821st Space Base Group at Pituffik in July, almost nine months before her removal. Vice President Vance's March visit marked the first by a vice president to the remote base, where he received updates on its mission and national defense significance.

The announcement of Meyers' removal was made by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell shortly after the Military.com report was published. Parnell stated, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”

On April 10, 2025, Space Operations Command Public Affairs confirmed that Meyers was relieved of command by Colonel Kenneth Klock, citing a loss of confidence in her leadership ability. The statement emphasized the expectation for commanders to adhere to high standards of conduct and remain nonpartisan in their duties.

Col. Shawn Lee has now assumed command of Pituffik Space Base. In her email, Meyers reflected on Vance’s visit and shared a message aiming to foster unity among the personnel, which included American, Canadian, Danish, and Greenlander members. Meyers wrote, “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.”

She added a commitment to unify the base, stating, “I commit that, for as long as I am lucky enough to lead this base, all of our flags will fly proudly—together.” Joe Kasper, the Department of Defense Chief of Staff, reiterated the department’s stance on maintaining the chain of command and loyalty to President Trump’s agenda.

This event follows the removal of Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, who was relieved from her role as U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, for reportedly not displaying portraits of President Trump and other senior civilian leaders.

Parnell addressed the issue on social media, stating, “Congresswoman, I realize this may be a foreign concept to you but here at the DoD if you disrespect the chain of command & don’t do your job, you will be replaced.”

Sean Parnell's comments and the swift actions highlight the Department of Defense's firm stance on upholding chain of command and adherence to administration policies.