Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
Here’s what state leaders said about the big Space Command announcement
Reading time: 3 minutes
The Rocket City is still buzzing from the news announced yesterday about the U.S. Space Command headquarters relocating to Huntsville. President Donald Trump said about 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years.
City and state leaders all chimed in on the news, giving their perspectives on what this means to Huntsville and to Alabama.
What local + state leaders said about Space Command
Local leaders are ready for the relocation
“The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense.”
Mayor Tommy Battle
“This is a win for our region and our country. City, county, state and federal partners have worked side by side to prepare for this opportunity. Now, we’re ready to welcome Space Command and help facilitate its long-term success.”
Mac McCutcheon, Madison County Commission Chairman
“Our community has a proven track record of supporting the Department of Defense when they have moved key functions and stood up new operations. We will use that experience to support the personnel associated with Space Command and their families as they relocate to the Huntsville region.”
Chip Cherry, CEO Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce
State leaders weigh in
Here’s what some of our representatives in Washington and Montgomery had to say:
“As our history shows, Alabama always stands ready to support the defense of our great nation, and Huntsville continues proving the Rocket City is truly ‘Space Central.’”
Governor Kay Ivey
“I’ve said all along that basing the Headquarters in Huntsville is not a political decision; it’s a national security one. North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space.”
Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL)
“While this process has shown Washington at its worst, I am confident Huntsville, Alabama will show our country at its best. Redstone is home to the U.S. Army’s Aviation and Missile Command, as well as Space and Missile Defense Command and the Missile Defense Agency.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center has flourished there for nearly six decades. The same world-class program that sent a man to the moon in Saturn V rockets in the 1950s and 1960s is now powering man’s return to the moon through NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.”
Senator Katie Britt (R-AL)
“President Trump is doing the right thing by moving SPACECOM back to its rightful home in Sweet Home Alabama. This was never supposed to be about politics. After a thorough selection process involving 66 possible locations, Huntsville was chosen fair and square.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
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