COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –
Maj. Gen. Terry L. Grisham, a long-time Alabama native with nearly 40 years of military and civilian service, is spearheading U.S. Space command’s relocation to Redstone Arsenal as the director of the transition team. His deep ties to the region and extensive logistical expertise make him uniquely suited to lead the historic move.
Earlier this week, Gen. Stephen Whiting, USSPACECOM commander, announced Grisham would lead the relocation, overseeing the Program Management Office at Redstone Arsenal which includes the first members of the headquarters staff already on the ground. With a director now in-place, the team will expand throughout 2026, ultimately comprising several dozen personnel.
Appearing alongside Whiting, Grisham expressed his gratitude, saying he looked forward to the challenge and work ahead.
Grisham’s background includes leadership positions in both the Alabama National Guard and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command as a civil service employee, which Whiting cited as key to ensuring both an expeditious move and representing the interests of the workforce’s military and civilian personnel.
Throughout his four-decade-long career in the Alabama Army National Guard, Grisham has served in Engineer, Sustainment, and Intelligence organizations – experience that positions him as a proven leader in logistical planning and operations. His demonstrated ability to execute at speed and scale will be vital as USSPACECOM continues to expand its footprint in Huntsville and establish its permanent headquarters.
Grisham will lead the team alongside Deputy Director Col. Raymond Ruscoe, who recommissioned into the Space Force in 2020 after 18 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. In his previous role, Ruscoe headed USSPACECOM’s Joint Integrated Service Team (JIST) within European Command. Acting as liaison elements, JISTs are embedded in each of the combatant commands to coordinate and nest space planning efforts.
“Our modern way of life and our modern way of war quite literally depend on space, and by extension, USSPACECOM’s mission,” Ruscoe said. “It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility to not only facilitate a transition that ensures our operations continue unimpacted, but execute the delivery of a professional, state-of-the-art warfighting complex.”
Prior to joining USSPACECOM, Ruscoe served as the Space Domain Implementation Manager at the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium where he led the growth of an organic NATO Space capability across the 32 member nations.
A warfighting platform for the future
In September 2025, the President announced USSPACECOM’s relocation to Redstone Arsenal, a move that underscores the command’s critical role in safeguarding America’s interests in space. Since then, the command has been diligently laying the groundwork for a purpose-built headquarters.
The leaders are working closely with local and state officials to ensure the move aligns with mission requirements and infrastructure readiness. The City of Huntsville has pledged $425 million in investments to support the relocation, including transportation improvements and housing enhancements at Redstone Arsenal.
USSPACECOM’s headquarters at Redstone Arsenal will be more than just a physical location. Instead, it will be purpose-built to enhance mission readiness and address the growing threats arrayed against us in an increasingly contested space environment. Doing so requires a bespoke facility designed to meet the full spectrum of daily, contingency, and crisis operational requirements.
“The support from Alabama and Huntsville has been incredible,” Grisham said. “This community understands the importance of our mission and our role in achieving peace through strength.”
Grisham’s leadership philosophy
As a leader, Grisham seeks to foster a collaborative environment where a clear understanding of the mission empowers individuals to take action and solve problems. Having both commanded and served on staff in organizations comprised of different Army occupations, sister military services, and even other nations, he has decades of experience managing teams through complex and demanding operations.
“I believe a leader is only as good as those who surround him,” Grisham said. “I look around at the strategic partnerships we have throughout our Northern Alabama community and the incredible expertise and can-do spirit of our small but mighty PMO team, and I have no doubts that we’ll be successful.”
Grisham also pointed to Ruscoe’s extensive background in space operations and contingency planning as a linchpin for the transition team.
“Having a deputy who’s not only well-versed in the requirements for what it takes to fight and win a war in space but is also no stranger to USSPACECOM ensures we’re delivering the right stuff,” Grisham said.
His commitment to fostering relationships and leveraging opportunities will be critical as USSPACECOM continues to expand its presence in Huntsville while also maintaining a continuous focus on USSPACECOM’s no-fail mission to protect America’s interests in space.
Looking ahead
As USSPACECOM transitions to Redstone Arsenal, the command remains focused on preserving its warfighting culture and maintain full operational capability. Grisham’s leadership, combined with the support of the local community and state, will ensure the move strengthens the command’s ability to address emerging threats.
With Grisham at the helm, USSPACECOM is poised to make its mark in Huntsville, building a foundation for success that will serve the nations for decades to come.