Update Your Playlists: US Space Force Has an Official Service Song

Kate Bush may have been running up those hills all summer, but there’s a new tune in town: The US Space Force released its official service song this week—and it’s a banger.

Named after the USSF motto, “Semper Supra” (Latin for “always above”) was created “to capture the esprit de corps of both current and future parents, and to unite service members by making them proud,” According to the organization(opens in a new window).

The sixth and youngest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Space Force was established in 2019 by then-President Donald Trump to “organize, train and equip military space forces … to ensure unfettered access to and operational freedom in space, and in peacetime and across the spectrum of conflict.” Provides significant capabilities to joint and coalition forces.”

Since its inception, the department has been mocked mercilessly – a first for it Camouflage uniform(opens in a new window)Then for him A near-exact replica(opens in a new window) of Star Trekfor its Starfleet Command logo, and, of course, now for its military anthem.

Former U.S. Air Force Band member James Tichenor worked with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John Raymond and U.S. Coast Guard Band trombonist and arranger Sean Nelson on the piece, which “took years of research and revision” before Tuesday’s unveiling of 2022 Air, Space and Cyber. conference

“The song was a long work in progress because I wanted it to encompass all the power and vision that Space Force has to offer,” the singer/songwriter teacher — “the visionary composer and driving force behind the song’s creation” — said in a statement. He wrote the lyrics and melody, while Nelson added the melody and orchestration.

“I’ve been exposed to songs from other genres,” Nelson said, “but I wanted it to have its own modern spin to reflect what Space Force is: modern, new and very advanced.”

The eight-line piece contains such poetic phrases as “We are mighty watchful eyes, guardians across the blue, unseen front lines, battle warriors brave and true.” Take a behind-the-scenes look at the new service song performed in full glory by Air Force Band members via the USSF Official video(opens in a new window). (Or save yourself the time and just listen to the video above.)

According to Raymond, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a Space Force song that will be part of our culture and heritage for years to come.” “Our traditions are part of the fabric that weaves us all together as we carry out our missions side by side; I will be proud to sing ‘Sempter Supra’ with my fellow guardians.”