HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 31, 2023) – The communities of the Tennessee Valley region are disappointed to learn the White House has reversed a decision that would have moved Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal, as two lengthy selection processes recommended.
The decision to base the interim Space Command headquarters at Peterson AFB was based on short-term factors. Laying claim to this important Command based on where the interim headquarters is located is a disservice to the complexity of the basing decision-making process. The permanent basing assessment considered affordability, efficiency, best value and how to maximize existing long-term, multi-discipline space expertise and mission success. At the same time, the basing study carefully considered the strategic risks created by collocating two Unified Combatant Commands (COCOMs) in a potentially vulnerable location.
Suggestions that the Services of our military cannot rapidly, affordably, and efficiently execute major mission relocations without adversely impacting mission effectiveness is incorrect. The BRAC consolidations at Redstone in the 1990s and 2000s gave the Services significant experience in moving activities efficiently and without adverse impact on mission capability during relocations. The successful wartime relocation of the four-star Army Materiel Command demonstrates the ability of the Tennessee Valley community to effectively support the DOD in achieving its objectives without compromising its mission.
“We are deeply disappointed in the reversal of a meticulous decision-making process that selected Huntsville, Alabama for the permanent home of USSPACECOM,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This community went through a lengthy selection process – twice. To have that process invalidated, and to have our selection taken away is demoralizing. It is even more disturbing that the selection is going to the community that ranked fifth in the selection process. Our systems should be better than that. The Department of Defense deserves better than that.”
“No matter where USSPACECOM resides, Huntsville will move forward and continue to be a good neighbor with our national military partners,” Mayor Battle added. “We fully support our military and aerospace sectors and will work to ensure Huntsville remains a key component in furthering USSPACECOM’s mission on the national and global stage.”
The Redstone Region will continue to provide exceptional cost benefits, a high quality of life and a robust network of space industry support to the 70-plus federal agencies, offices and commands located here.
“We are confident that Redstone will continue to grow and prosper in the years to come based on our low construction and sustainment costs, expansive technical capabilities, and exceptional workforce,” said Jeff Gronberg, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s liaison to the Redstone Regional Alliance, a coalition of 15 communities in north Alabama and south central Tennessee which headed the effort to attract the U.S. Space Command Headquarters here. “Redstone has a number of shovel-ready sites, excellent access through its six widely dispersed gates, and a history of successfully delivering large construction projects on time and within budget. Redstone will continue to be a critical contributor to our nation’s efforts across civil, commercial, and defense space missions.”
In 2021, the Air Force Basing Office concluded that Redstone was the preferred site for the USSPACECOM HQ based on an objective assessment of the attributes of six candidate sites. Their review ranked Huntsville AL first; Kirtland AFB second; Offutt AFB third; Joint Base San Antonio fourth; Peterson AFB fifth; and Patrick AFB was ranked sixth.
The permanent basing assessment considered affordability, efficiency, best value and how to maximize existing long-term, multi-discipline space expertise and mission success. At the same time, the basing study carefully considered the strategic risks posed by locating SPACECOM in a potentially vulnerable location. GAO and DOD IG reviews of the site assessment process confirmed the rigorous analysis undertaken by the Air Force Basing Office, in spite of specious political paranoia spread by some elected and community leaders from other regions.
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