UK Defence Secretary wanted to call new space unit Star Fleet Command
Key Points
- Wes Streeting wanted to name the UK's space squadron Star Fleet Command
- The Chief of the Air Staff declined the suggestion
- The unit is called No. 3 Space Effects Squadron
- It will run offensive and defensive operations in space
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting wanted to name the UK’s first space squadron Star Fleet Command.
Streeting revealed the rejected name in a keynote speech at the UK Space Power Conference on 23 September, according to a Ministry of Defence transcript.
“Despite my best efforts, the Chief of the Air Staff declined my suggestion to call it Star Fleet Command,” said Streeting.
“And so, No. 3 Space Effects Squadron it is, and what a ring it has to it,” he added.
Streeting told the conference he is a huge Star Trek fan, and he worked several references to the show into his speech.
“I know you’ve heard lots of speeches, but we’re near the end, so hopefully you can Klingon,” said Streeting.
“We must continue to push the frontier of defence innovation and nowhere is that more true than in space, the final frontier,” said Streeting, before promising the audience it would be his last pun.
Streeting said the new squadron will conduct offensive and defensive operations in space.
He said it will disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity, and defend UK interests in space and on Earth.
The squadron’s mission supports the development of orbital warfare, electronic warfare and counter-satellite weapons.
Streeting said the Defence Investment Plan earmarks more than £3 billion for space capabilities over its first four years.
