A team from U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs arrived in Huntsville less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump announced its move to Redstone Arsenal.
Major Chris Boyer-Meeder, current operations chief for U.S. Space Command Public Affairs, told AL.com the team was conducting initial steps for the move.
“Our ultimate goal is to expeditiously carry out the direction of the President following Tuesday’s announcement of Huntsville, Alabama, as the command’s permanent headquarters location, while continuing to execute our vital national security missions,” Boyer-Meeder said.
While Boyer-Meeder said information on the process is currently limited, Martin Traylor, deputy to the garrison commander at Redstone, said the arsenal was prepared to absorb Space Command’s initial “torch party” effective immediately.
Traylor said during Wednesday’s roundtable at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber that Space Command could become fully operational in Huntsville within three years in temporary facilities while waiting for permanent facilities to be built, a process that could take between five to seven years.
“We’ve been preparing for this for many years,” Traylor said. “We are ready to execute whatever Space Command needs.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said Space Command is expected to bring 1,400 jobs to the city over the next five years.
According to the city’s website, Huntsville pledged $425 million in investments, most of which, about $385 million, is dedicated to transportation improvements. Many of these projects are already complete, ensuring the city is well ahead on its commitments.
The city’s commitment also included $10 million for 200,000 square feet of temporary Class A office space. The State of Alabama has committed $8 million for senior leadership housing at Redstone Arsenal; $3 million for a national recruitment campaign and the Tennessee Valley Authority contributed a $1 million economic development grant.
Approximately 60 acres of land at Redstone have been identified as the future site of Space Command headquarters.City of Huntsville
Approximately 60 acres of land at Redstone have been identified as the future site of Space Command headquarters.
Space Command currently has personnel and functions at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs; Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado; Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
It is comprised of military members, civilian employees and contractor personnel.
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