Mayor Battle meets with top U.S. Space Command officer

Mayor Tommy Battle hosted an important visitor yesterday at City Hall. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command, came in town as the city and Redstone Arsenal prepare to begin the formal transition to host Space Command’s permanent headquarters.

Monday’s visit marked Whiting’s first visit to Huntsville City Hall, but certainly not his last.

Important visit by Whiting ahead of Space Command relocation

Whiting expressed Space Command’s enthusiasm for becoming part of the Huntsville community and said they are excited to partner with local leaders and Redstone.

“North Alabama has been very welcoming, and we’re thrilled to be here on the ground. Our job right now is to figure out how expeditiously, in a professional and disciplined manner, we can start to make the move that the President has directed, all while continuing our vital national security missions, which is to defend American interests in space.”

Gen. Stephen Whiting

About 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years, according to Battle. Some White House sources say that number may increase over time.

Huntsville working closely with Space Command

Battle said the City of Huntsville is working with U.S. Space Command and federal officials to prepare for the upcoming move.

“This is an exciting moment for our city, but more importantly, it’s about ensuring the security of our nation. We look forward to working closely with Gen. Whiting and the entire Space Command team as they relocate to Redstone Arsenal.”

Mayor Tommy Battle

Huntsville has already invested heavily to ensure mission readiness, including: 

• $400+ million in completed transportation improvements, with $250+ million in active construction projects 
• $600 million in K–12 school enhancements to support growing families 
• $200+ million in healthcare expansions, including upgrades at Huntsville Hospital 
• Over $150 million invested in quality-of-life improvements: recreation and community complexes, parks and greenways 
• Key Redstone-related projects include: 
• Completed: Zierdt Road improvements; widening Research Park Boulevard 
• Under construction: I-565 widening to I-65; Martin Road widening (Gate 7 to Huntsville International Airport) 
• In design: Resolute Way (connecting I-565 to Gate 9/Redstone Gateway Park); Arsenal East Connector (linking I-565 to proposed Redstone Gate near Triana Blvd) 

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