Bill Nye, a longtime television host, visited Buckley Space Force Base earlier this month to help bridge the gap between public perception and the mission of the youngest military branch.  

Nye talked with service members and their families during his visit as part of his tour of the Aurora-area facility, a news release said. 

.@BillNye (the science guy!) visits @Buckley_SFB to learn about the @SpaceForceDoD’s role in space exploration & national security. He also did Q&A with service members to help bridge the gap between public perception of the SF & its intricate realities: https://t.co/YiaAjdNNLk pic.twitter.com/y97F08fGWc

— Armed with Science (@ArmedwScience) December 15, 2023

“We’re all in this together,” Nye said, in the statement. “If you could take away one thing from science, it would be that we’re more alike than we are different. Working together we can make the world a better place and you all are a great part of that. Thank you all for your service.”

During his visit, Nye visited with space guardians in missile warning, National Guardsmen who work with F-16s, and airmen who work with K-9s in security. 

Capt. Eric Honeyman, Space Based Infrared System Engineering branch chief, explained how Space Force Delta 4 has changed. 

“Initially centered around missile warning, we’ve broadened our scope to encompass mission defense, battlespace awareness and technical awareness,” he said, in the statement. 

He also talked with members of the Colorado National Guard’s 140th Wing, who fly and maintain jets tasked with protecting the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northern Command in Colorado Springs.

“The 140th Wing plays a critical role in our state and nation’s defense,” said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Dodson, 140th Command and Control Operations superintendent, in the release. “We have pilots and maintainers fulfilling the F-16 Alert Mission 24/7.”

The wing also oversees space missions in Greeley and Colorado Springs.