DeAnna M. Burt

DeAnna Marie Burt (born 15 February 1969) is a retired United States Space Force lieutenant general who has served as the deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear from 2022 to 2025. She is the first female major general and second female general officer in the Space Force.

Burt entered the United States Air Force in 1992 after graduating from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a career space operations officer with numerous satellite operations and staff positions in Air Force Space Command and United States European Command. She has commanded the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, 460th Operations Group, and 50th Space Wing. She is a graduate and former instructor of the USAF Weapons School and a graduate of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. She also served as the vice commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center.

In 2021, Burt transferred to the Space Force, where she now serves as its chief operations officer, responsible for operations, sustainment, cyber, and nuclear operations. She served as the commander of the Combined Force Space Component Command and vice commander of Space Operations Command from 2020 to 2022.

Early life and education Burt was born on 15 February 1969, in Louisville, Kentucky. When she was six years old, her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

Burt entered Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to get a college scholarship. She initially planned to just work in the Air Force for four years. At Embry-Riddle, she was the AFROTC cadet wing commander and chairman of the Women's Programming Board. She was also involved as Head Resident Advisor and Campus Climate for Women. In 1991, she received a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering as a distinguished graduate. In 1995, she received an M.S. degree in human resources management from Troy State University in Alabama.

As part of her professional military education, Burt attended Squadron Officer School, USAF Weapons School, Air Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, National War College, and Air University. She also attended several leadership courses and seminars from the Center for Creative Leadership, UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School, Alan Freed Associates, and Arlie Center. She continued to serve the same position for SpOC, during which time she was promoted to major general.

In November 2023, took command of the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) at Vandenberg from then-Major General John E. Shaw, who was confirmed to serve as deputy commander of the United States Space Command. Additionally, she served as vice commander of Space Operations Command. Burt transferred to the Space Force on 7 May 2021, becoming the first woman to hold this rank in the Space Force. She is also the second general officer in the Space Force, after Lieutenant General Nina Armagno. In August 2022, she relinquished command of CFSCC to Major General Douglas Schiess. She would replace Saltzman who was confirmed to serve as the second chief of space operations. While awaiting confirmation, she temporarily served as special assistant to the vice chief of space operations. She was confirmed on 30 November 2022. A day later, she was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed the post as the second deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear. As the chief operating officer of the Space Force, she has overall responsibility for operations, sustainment, cyber, and nuclear Operations service.

Personal life Burt is married to a retired Air Force Colonel.

Awards and decorations Burt receives the Gen Jerome F. O'Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award from the Air Force Association in 2017 Burt is the recipient of the following awards:

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterLegion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clustersDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clustersJoint Service Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterAir Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterJoint Service Achievement MedalAir Force Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit AwardAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver oak leaf clusterAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalRemote Combat Effects Campaign Medal with two bronze service starsAir and Space Campaign MedalAir Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and three bronze oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Training RibbonNATO Medal (Yugoslavia)

Dates of promotion

+ Rank Branch Date Second Lieutenant Air Force 13 May 1992 First Lieutenant 13 May 1994 Captain 13 May 1996 Major 1 November 2002 Lieutenant Colonel 1 August 2007 Colonel 1 September 2011 Brigadier General 2 September 2017 Major General 2 August 2020 Major General Space Force 7 May 2021 Lieutenant General 1 December 2022