Jeff Bezos, who is known for posting sparingly on social media, surprised followers by publicly welcoming a senior executive to his space company Blue Origin. The post marked the arrival of Tory Bruno, former chief executive of United Launch Alliance, who has joined Blue Origin as president of its newly created National Security Group.
Blue Origin announced the appointment on X, stating that Bruno will report directly to chief executive Dave Limp and will lead efforts focused on national security missions. Bruno responded simply, saying he was excited to join the team. Bezos then replied with a short but loaded message. “Welcome, Tory. Gradatim Ferociter!”
The exchange continued with Bruno thanking Bezos for his confidence and expressing enthusiasm about the work ahead. The brief interaction drew attention largely because Bezos rarely engages publicly on social media, especially in replies. The post also attracted reactions from senior figures in the space and defence ecosystem, including congratulations from Jared Isaacman.
The phrase Bezos used carries significant meaning within Blue Origin. “Gradatim Ferociter” is the company’s official motto and translates to “Step by Step, Ferociously.” Bezos has previously explained that it reflects his philosophy on spaceflight. Speaking at the Pathfinder Awards banquet at Seattle’s Museum of Flight in 2016, he said building space vehicles demands discipline and patience, with progress achieved methodically but pursued with intensity. Cutting corners, he argued, only creates the illusion of speed and ultimately leads to failure.
Bruno’s appointment also brings a long professional relationship full circle. He led United Launch Alliance for 11 years after spending three decades at Lockheed Martin. In 2014, shortly after becoming ULA’s CEO, Bruno appeared alongside Bezos to announce collaboration on Blue Origin’s BE-4 rocket engine. That partnership later became a cornerstone of ULA’s next-generation launch plans.
As head of Blue Origin’s National Security Group, Bruno will now focus on expanding the company’s role in defence and government missions. Limp, in his own post, said the company and Bruno share a deep commitment to supporting national interests with advanced technology. He added that Bruno’s experience would accelerate Blue Origin’s ability to deliver on that mission.
The appointment signals Blue Origin’s growing seriousness about national security contracts and government launches. Bezos’ rare public endorsement, delivered through a motto that defines the company’s culture, underscores the strategic weight of Bruno’s role at a time when competition in the space sector continues to intensify.
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