Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited a Los Angeles County-based space company today as part of his monthlong “Arsenal of Freedom” tour. The initiative focuses on one of the War Department’s key priorities: rebuilding the U.S. military through close engagement with the defense industrial base across the country. This stop in Southern California marked the second visit in the campaign.
The company, located in the region and known for its space-based missions, has a established history of supporting the U.S. military through satellite technology, launch capabilities, and related systems.
Emphasis on Space Superiority and American Manufacturing
During his address to employees and attendees, Hegseth highlighted the critical role of such companies in national defense. He described them as the foundation of the defense industrial base and great American manufacturers essential to a new era of peace through strength under President Trump.
“You are the foundation of our defense industrial base — the foundation of great American manufacturers — who we trust to usher in that new golden age of peace through strength under President Trump,” Hegseth told the crowd.
He stressed the United States’ commitment to dominating space as the ultimate high ground. “The United States is deadly serious about commanding the ultimate high ground of space, a larger, more modern and more capable constellation of American satellites launched by American rockets from American soil, built by American engineers.”
Call for Speed and Disruption of the Status Quo
Hegseth expressed concerns about the pace of progress in the defense industrial base, particularly in space capabilities, in recent years. He invoked historical precedent by referencing President John F. Kennedy’s vision for space exploration.
“More than 60 years ago, President [John F.] Kennedy declared our nation’s intent to go to the moon,” Hegseth said. He then quoted from Kennedy’s 1962 speech at Rice University: “He famously said, ‘We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do other things; not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.’”
“This is the spirit that you are in the process of reviving,” Hegseth added. He stated that the War Department is “flipping the script” and moving away from familiar, slower processes that have become the norm.
“Our job is to disrupt the ‘status quo,’ which is insufficient. [We need to ensure] we have the American manufacturing base that is required to be the world’s superpower,” he told the audience.
Concluding his remarks, Hegseth affirmed mutual support between the department and industry partners. “We have your back, and we know that you have ours as well. And, together, we will restore our nation’s strength and guarantee peace for generations to come.”
The “Arsenal of Freedom” tour continues to highlight the importance of revitalizing American manufacturing and innovation to maintain military superiority, with a particular focus on accelerating capabilities in critical domains such as space.
