Every branch of the United States Armed Forces proudly carries its own anthem, a musical embodiment of its history, values, and the spirit of its service members. From the Army’s rousing “The Army Goes Rolling Along” to the Navy’s steadfast “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marine Corps’ iconic “The Marines’ Hymn,” these songs are more than just melodies; they are cornerstones of military culture. In a momentous announcement, the newest branch, the U.S. Space Force, established in 2019, has joined this tradition by officially adopting its own song, “Semper Supra.”
This significant unveiling took place at the 2022 Air & Space Forces Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, on September 20th. “Semper Supra,” a Latin phrase meaning “Always Above,” is not just the title but also the very motto of the USSF. The song is designed to resonate with both current and future Guardians, fostering a strong esprit de corps and uniting them through a shared sense of pride and identity.
The creation of “Semper Supra” was a labor of passion undertaken by two former service members. Singer-songwriter James Teachenor, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force band at the Air Force Academy, spearheaded the project. He collaborated with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John “Jay” Raymond from the Space Force’s inception in 2019. General Raymond emphasized the historic opportunity, stating, “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.” He envisioned “Semper Supra” as a vital thread in the fabric of Space Force traditions, binding Guardians together in their shared mission.
Teachenor’s initial composition, encompassing the lyrics and melody, then embarked on a journey through various military bands to refine its musical arrangement. Twelve submissions were meticulously reviewed before Teachenor joined forces with Chief Musician Sean Nelson, a trombonist and staff arranger with the U.S. Coast Guard Band. Nelson elaborated on their collaboration: “I received the melody and words from James, and he wanted me to help add the harmony and to orchestrate it.” Nelson aimed to create a distinctively modern sound, reflecting the Space Force’s cutting-edge nature, while acknowledging the heritage of other United States Songs. He incorporated over 30 instrument parts, culminating in a recording by the USCG band. This rendition was presented to the Space Force, and after months of further refinement and variations, the final version of “Semper Supra” was selected.
The result is a powerful anthem that encapsulates the essence of being a Guardian. The lyrics of “Semper Supra,” provided below, speak of vigilance, bravery, and the boundless reach of the Space Force:
SEMPER SUPRA
The Official U.S. Space Force Song
We’re the mighty watchful eye,
Guardians beyond the blue,
The invisible front line,
Warfighters brave and true.
Boldly reaching into space,
There’s no limit to our sky.
Standing guard both night and day,
We’re the Space Force from on high.
The copyright for “Semper Supra,” including both lyrics and music, has been generously gifted to the Department of the Air Force by Messrs. Teachenor and Nelson. The Department of the Air Force now holds exclusive ownership of the copyright, and licensing inquiries can be directed to https://www.music.af.mil/spaceforcesong/. A recording of “Semper Supra” and a behind-the-scenes video are available at https://www.dvidshub.net/video/857934/us-space-force-reveals-official-song. “Semper Supra” now takes its place alongside other esteemed United States songs, ready to inspire and unite Guardians for generations to come.
