Patrick Space Force Base Selected as Preferred Location for STARCOM Headquarters

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida — The U.S. Air Force has announced the selection of Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as the preferred location for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and Delta 10 unit. This decision marks a significant win for Florida and its role in the nation’s space efforts. The selection follows a successful year-long campaign by Florida’s congressional delegation to secure the state as STARCOM’s permanent home.

Florida’s Space Coast, renowned as the world’s premier spaceport, is set to serve as the headquarters for these two crucial military units. Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), who co-led the Florida delegation effort along with Senators Rubio and Scott, expressed his pride and honor at the selection. He believes that Florida’s thriving Space Coast is the ideal location for the STARCOM headquarters and Delta 10 unit.

Senator Rick Scott also echoed Posey’s enthusiasm, declaring the decision as a significant victory for Florida’s space efforts and a massive boost for job creation. He emphasized that Florida’s aerospace and aviation workforce, which is more than 100,000 strong, is equipped with the necessary skills and experience to support STARCOM and Space Delta 10. Furthermore, the state’s more than 40 colleges and universities continue to nurture an extraordinary talent pipeline to bolster this workforce.

Senator Marco Rubio emphasized the historical significance of Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the nation’s space endeavors. He expressed his confidence that STARCOM would find great success in Florida and that this strategic decision would continue Florida’s long tradition of advancing America’s national security and leadership in space.

The joint lobbying effort by Florida’s Senators and Representatives dates back to April 2022, when they penned a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, urging him to select Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as STARCOM’s permanent location. The delegation highlighted Florida’s military-friendly nature, its robust defense industry, and the state’s significant veteran population.

In their letter, the delegation underscored the unique place that Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station hold in America’s history of space flight and exploration. They highlighted that every crewed mission to space in U.S. history has launched from Brevard County, Florida. From the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions to the future Artemis missions, Florida has served as the nation’s gateway to the stars. The delegation hopes that this selection will continue Florida’s long history of working hand in hand to advance America’s national security and leadership in space.

Florida State Representative Randy Fine praised the Air Force’s decision, calling the designation of STARCOM at Patrick Space Force Base a “huge win for Brevard County.”

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