Florida selected as U.S. Space Force training and readiness command headquarters

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Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that Florida’s Patrick Space Force Base has been selected as the home for the U.S. Space Force Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters along with Space Delta 10.

The announcement advances Florida’s reputation as a military-friendly state and advances its position as America’s hub for military and private space operations.

Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the preferred location for Space Delta 11, and Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, is the preferred location for Space Delta 12.

STARCOM, one of three U.S. Space Force field commands, will prepare combat-ready U.S. Space Force (USSF) Guardians to fight in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment through the deliberate development, education and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities, according to a media release.

“From Project Mercury to today’s privatized spaceflight, Americans look to Florida’s Space Coast to see history in the making,” said DeSantis. “We are honored to host the Space Training and Readiness Command headquarters and continue Florida’s history as America’s gateway to outer space.”

“Florida’s selection as the STARCOM headquarters underscores the state’s exceptional assets and its vital contribution to the nation’s space endeavors,” said Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. “With an unmatched aerospace infrastructure, military installations and top-tier academic institutions, Florida provides key collaborative partnerships that will advance space military operations right from our Space Coast.”

“This decision by the U.S. Air Force reflects the strategic importance of Florida in advancing national security and defense in space,” said Frank DiBello, president and CEO, Space Florida. “Bringing STARCOM’s headquarters to Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is a significant milestone in Florida’s history and reaffirms our critical role in advancing the nation’s space and military capabilities. I want to thank USSF General Stephen Purdy for his commitment to helping build a space military operations hub in Florida.”

Space Florida worked in partnership with Florida Defense Support Task Force, Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida High Tech Corridor, Florida Institute of Technology, National Center for Simulation, Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, University of Central Florida and other state and local entities to bring STARCOM headquarters to the Sunshine State.

Space Delta 10, which is responsible for doctrine and wargaming, develops Space Force doctrine and tactics, conducts the service’s Lessons Learned program and executes and supports wargames to adequately posture space forces and designated joint and allied partners, according to the U.S. Space Force website.
Space Delta 11 is responsible for all ranges and aggressors. Space Delta 12 is responsible for test and evaluation.
The decision to host STARCOM HQ and the three deltas at their respective bases came after conducting site surveys at each location to assess their ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, while accounting for community support, environmental factors and cost, the Space Force website stated.
The Department of the Air Force will now conduct environmental impact analyses at each base, which are expected to be completed later this year before final decisions are made.