SPACE FORCE HEADQUARTERS COMPETITION NARROWS TO SIX
November 19, 2020—The Space Coast Advances to the Final Round of competition for location of the United States Space Force Headquarters.
The Secretary of the Air Force signed a basing decision memorandum selecting (6) final candidates for Space Force Headquarters including Cape Canaveral Air Force Station/Patrick Air Force Base on Florida’s Space Coast. The other five locations in the running are: Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; Port San Antonio, Texas; and Redstone Army Airfield, Alabama.
“Florida’s defense and aerospace ecosystem provide unique opportunities that would benefit USSPACECOM,” said Frank DiBello, President and CEO of Space Florida, “and I am pleased that the U.S. Air Force has identified that capability with Brevard County’s selection in the down-select process for its headquarters. Space Florida applauds today’s announcement and looks forward to working with the State of Florida, the Air Force and our local partners in continuing this effort.”
“Florida’s Space Coast is the 21st-Century answer for what will give our nation and warfighters the edge on this 21st-Century battlefield,” said EDC President and CEO, Lynda L. Weatherman. “Our unmatched quantity and quality of defense, civil and commercial space assets and expertise offer U.S. Space Command the agility, innovation and boldness needed to project space power.”
“I’m proud of our delegation’s efforts working together to make the case for Space Command Headquarters to locate in Brevard County, Florida, said U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida’s 8th Congressional District. “Brevard’s strategic location and quality of life make it the ideal place for this important national mission to be centered. There’s still more work to do but I’m confident Brevard County has what it takes to make Space Force a success.”
The Department of the Air Force selection criteria includes capacity, community, and cost to capitalize on the highly specialized personnel and infrastructure required to support U.S. Space Command.
During the next phase, the USAF will conduct both virtual and in person visits with candidate locations in anticipation of a decision in early 2021. Colorado Springs, Colorado, remains the provisional headquarters until the permanent location has reached full operational capability.
RESOURCES:
Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
U.S. Congressman Bill Posey Florida’s 8th Congressional District