Bellevue's Offutt Air Force Base is being named as one of six finalists to be the new headquarters for the United States' Space Command.
Other finalists include: Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; Patrick AFB, Florida; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Redstone Army Airfield, Alabama; and Port San Antonio, Texas. A final decision on the location of the headquarters is expected in early 2021.
On Thursday, a number of Nebraska leaders issued statements congratulating Offutt AFB.
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry:
“We received some very exciting news today. Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue is one of six finalists to host United States Space Command Headquarters. Offutt is a critical piece of America’s national security infrastructure and host to U.S. Strategic Command, the 55th Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Space Command would be a natural complement to Offutt’s existing mission––to protect U.S. military assets, dominate the battlespace, and support our heroic war fighters. It is premature to know if Offutt will be ultimately chosen, but the consideration alone shows how important Offutt now is to our nation and the world,” Fortenberry said.
Governor Pete Ricketts:
“Today’s announcement is exciting news for the City of Bellevue and for all of Nebraska. Our state gives tremendous support to military families. There’s no better relationship anywhere in the nation than between the community of Bellevue and Offutt AFB. Nebraskans would be honored to have USSPACECOM headquartered in Bellevue. The U.S. Strategic Command, the 55th Wing, and the 557th Weather Wing at Offutt AFB already play key roles in supporting U.S. space operations. Given these complementary and mutually supporting missions, Offutt AFB would be a great home for USSPACECOM.”
Senator Deb Fischer:
"It is a credit to the hard work and professionalism of the men and women at Offutt Air Force Base that they have been selected as one of the Air Force’s six finalists for SPACECOM’s headquarters. Offutt is a strong candidate, and the support it receives from the surrounding community is unmatched. I look forward to continuing to work with Air Force leadership and advocating on the base’s behalf.”
Congressman Don Bacon:
“As one of the earliest advocates for the Space Force, I applaud this announcement. America’s national security and economic prosperity depend on our access to space and this reliance will only increase over time. It’s great to see the Pentagon recognize that Nebraska and Offutt Air Force Base are ideal locations for the missions that matter most.”
Senator Ben Sasse:
“Our military men and women who call Offutt home are the best at what they do — and Nebraska is better for it. If selected, this would be just the latest feather in Offutt‘s cap and long tradition of proudly serving our country.”
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)