Rep. Bill Posey, Florida Delegation Makes the Case for Space Command to be Headquartered in Cape Canaveral

By  //  December 3, 2020

Cape Canaveral, Florida, is among the six finalists destinations

The U.S. Air Force recently announced that Cape Canaveral, Florida, is among the six finalists to advance in the selection process for Space Command’s Headquarters. (SpaceX Image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Twenty-one Members of Congress from Florida’s Congressional Delegation led by Reps. Bill Posey, Michael Waltz, Stephanie Murphy and Charlie Crist have joined in support of Florida’s efforts to locate U.S. Space Command’s Headquarters in the state of Florida.

The U.S. Air Force recently announced that Cape Canaveral, Florida, is among the six finalists to advance in the selection process for Space Command’s Headquarters.

“Patrick Air Force Base and its associated Cape Canaveral Air Force Station has earned a global reputation as the world’s premier gateway to space for government and commercial customers,” members of the delegation wrote in a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force. “It is also home to the 45th Space Wing, which delivers assured access to space for warfighters.”

“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 Rep. Bill Posey whose Eighth Congressional District includes Cape Canaveral. “Brevard’s strategic location and quality of life make it the ideal place for this important national mission to be centered.”

“Floridians have a special connection to space, being home to decades of launches and so many chapters in America’s space history. Our state is continuing to lead the way in a new era of space exploration and innovation. Florida’s is the perfect location for U.S. Space Command – and I’m very proud to make the strong case to bring SPACECOM to the Space Coast,” said Rep. Michael Waltz.

“I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort by Florida’s congressional delegation to support Brevard County’s bid,” said Rep. Stephanie Murphy. “Our state is already home to Southern Command, Central Command, and Special Operations Command. Given its longstanding leadership role when it comes to America’s efforts in space, Florida would be a natural home for Space Command.”

“Space exploration is synonymous with Florida and the Space Coast. With our state’s significant defense infrastructure, robust aerospace industrial base, and supportive communities, there’s no better place for Space Command Headquarters than right here in Florida,” said Rep. Charlie Crist.

Twenty-one Members of Congress from Florida’s Congressional Delegation led by Reps. Bill Posey, Michael Waltz, Stephanie Murphy and Charlie Crist have joined in support of Florida’s efforts to locate U.S. Space Command’s Headquarters in the state of Florida.

READ FULL LETTER:

Dear Mr. Acting Secretary and Madam Secretary:

We were delighted to learn of the decision last week by the U.S. Air Force to include Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County, Florida as one of six candidate locations under consideration to house Headquarters, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM).

We welcome the opportunity to host a site visit in the near future to share why we are confident that Florida will prove to be the optimal site for USSPACECOM Headquarters. Patrick Air Force Base and its associated Cape Canaveral Air Force Station has earned a global reputation as the world’s premier gateway to space for government and commercial customers. It is also home to the 45th Space Wing, which delivers assured access to space for warfighters.

In addition to its renowned launch reputation, the quantity and quality of assets and expertise the community that USSPACECOM offers extend well beyond battlefield access to rocket and spacecraft manufacturing, payload and electronics, and ground support.

Brevard County, the epicenter of Florida’s Space Coast, is one of the most military-friendly communities in a military-friendly state.

The appealing environment, weather, quality of life, cost of living, A-plus-rated schools, and dynamic economy make Brevard County a location of choice for service members and for those looking to put down roots following separation or retirement from military service. There are 3,835 active duty, reserve, and guard personnel living in the county with 6,304 military dependents. More than 68,000 veterans call Brevard County home. The community is filled with organizations dedicated to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. Additionally, the Space Coast is surrounded by premier academic institutions with aerospace and aeronautics programs that train and produce world class talent.

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