Colonel leading U.S. Greenland based dismissed after pushback on Vice President’s remarks

Colonel Susannah Meyers, commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, has been removed from her post following a high-profile visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, according to a report by The Guardian.

The dismissal came in the wake of Vance’s March 28 visit to the base, during which he made pointed remarks criticizing Denmark’s administration of Greenland, alleging that the Danish government had “under-invested in the people of Greenland” and in the region’s defense infrastructure. The visit was part of a broader Arctic tour by Vance, whose rhetoric reportedly surprised both U.S. allies and officials stationed at the base.

As The Guardian details, Col. Meyers later sent an internal email to base personnel distancing the command from Vance’s comments, writing that his statements were “not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.” Her removal was confirmed this week, although U.S. military officials have not publicly connected the dismissal to the email.

The U.S. Space Force, which oversees the base, noted that commanders are expected to uphold nonpartisan standards and avoid political commentary. Meyers, who assumed command in July 2024, has not commented publicly since her removal.

Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, plays a key strategic role in U.S. Arctic defense and satellite tracking.