During a House appropriations committee hearing on Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt continued to advocate for U.S. Space Command’s permanent relocation to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. The command, currently headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, has for years been the subject of intense political confrontation between elected officials from the two states.
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Aderholt (R-Haleyville) directed his remarks on the issue to the Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Mr. Gary Ashworth.
“As you well know, the United States Space Command was established more than six years ago, and it’s been basically homeless ever since,” said Aderholt. “Despite the Air Force having identified Redstone Arsenal in North Alabama as the preferred location back in January of 2021, the service has yet to designate a permanent location. However, I look forward to working with you and the incoming Secretary to finalize the basing decision that was validated by the Inspector General.”
The lawmaker reminded Ashworth why Redstone is the correct location for the command.
“In a budget-constrained environment, it’s clear that Alabama is more cost-effective, and we have the brain power and the robust defense industry that is able, that is willing, and is ready to support Space Command,” Aderholt continued. “I look forward to working with this administration to bring us back on track and support our guardians and war fighters in this critical domain.”
Aderholt emphasized that the decision is about more than just a zip code.
“It’s about ensuring that our military decisions are based on strategy, capability, and readiness — not politics.”
🚀 During today’s Appropriations hearing, I reminded Acting Sec. Ashworth that Redstone Arsenal was clearly the top choice for U.S. Space Command.
It’s time to end the politics and follow the facts.
📺 Watch my remarks: https://t.co/i0JZBBIQyQ#SpaceCommand #Huntsville #AL04
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 7, 2025
Redstone Arsenal was one of six bases nationwide originally being considered as the permanent home of Space Command’s HQ. Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, Space Command’s current center of operations, was one of the other five finalists, along with New Mexico’s Kirtland Air Force Base, Nebraska’s Offutt Air Force Base, Florida’s Patrick Air Force Base, and Texas’ Port San Antonio.
In 2023, President Joe Biden disregarded an official report recognizing Redstone as the best location in the country for Space Command. The surprise move caused indignation among the Yellowhammer State’s elected officials, who vowed to continue pushing for the command’s permanent transfer to the North Alabama base.
If relocated to Huntsville, Space Command is projected to create approximately 1,600 jobs in the region.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
