The U.S. military has relieved Col. Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, following what officials described as a “loss of confidence in her ability to lead.”
The announcement, made by Pentagon Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell in a post on X, follows controversy over comments Meyers reportedly made in the aftermath of Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the base on March 28.
Col. Meyers, who led the 821st Space Base Group, allegedly sent an email to base personnel distancing Pituffik’s leadership from remarks made by Vance during his press conference in Greenland. According to excerpts published by Military.com, Meyers wrote that Vance’s criticisms of Denmark’s stewardship over Greenland “are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.”
“I do not presume to understand current politics,” she reportedly stated, “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.” The Space Force later confirmed the authenticity of the email to Military.com.
The Pentagon emphasized the expectation that commanders maintain strict nonpartisanship in their conduct. “Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties,” a Pentagon spokesperson told The Military Report.
Parnell added in his statement, “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”
Col. Shawn Lee has been appointed as the new commander of the base, according to a statement from the U.S. Space Force.
Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, has become a renewed focal point of U.S. geopolitical interest under President Donald Trump’s second administration. Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, citing national security and resource considerations, and has not ruled out the use of military force to assert American interests on the island.
During his March visit, Vice President Vance publicly criticized Denmark for what he called “underinvestment” in Greenland’s security and development. “You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said. “You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have underinvested in the security of this incredible, beautiful landmass.”
Pituffik Space Base is the United States’ only permanent military installation in Greenland and plays a strategic role in missile warning and space domain operations.
