Exploration Park, Fla. (July 8, 2020) – On Tuesday, Space Florida held a call with staff from the Florida Congressional delegation to share details about the eight Florida communities that were submitted to the U.S. Air Force as candidates to house the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) headquarters. Following a basing eligibility overview process in partnership with Enterprise Florida, the Florida Defense Support Task Force and the Florida Defense Alliance, Governor Ron DeSantis has endorsed nomination letters for eight Florida communities to host the headquarters for USSPACECOM.
“Space Florida thanks Governor Ron DeSantis on his leadership in making Florida the best choice for the U.S. Space Command to establish its headquarters,” said and CAPT Jim Kuzma (USN, Ret.), Senior Vice President and General Manager of Space Florida. “We believe no other state brings as much to the table as Florida, given the unique combination of defense and aerospace capabilities. Space Florida looks forward to continuing to support this effort.”
Brevard County, Hillsborough County, the City of Jacksonville, the City of Miami-Dade, Orange County, the City of Pensacola, Pinellas County and Seminole County all submitted letters communicating the strength and eligibility of each community.
Florida currently serves as the home for three combatant commands and more than 20 military installations. The State’s defense and aerospace ecosystem provides unique capabilities and opportunities that would benefit the USSPACECOM. The creation of Space Force generates prospects for commands, supporting structures and related business development as this new branch of the military continues to develop in the coming years.
The next step in the strategic basing process, as outlined by the Air Force, is an evaluation phase, an iterative process wherein communities will respond to robust questionnaires issued by the Air Force.
On Thursday, July 9, Space Florida will host a video teleconference for Florida’s EDC leadership and key team members from each of eight communities submitting a US SPACECOM HQ Home Basing Application. The call will discuss the current status of the competition and what Space Florida supported by the Florida Defense Alliance and Florida Defense Support Task Force can do to assist the Florida communities involved with this effort.
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About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the
perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov
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Press Contact:
Sara Shell
321-730-5301 x221
sshell@spaceflorida.gov
