U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) this week questioned General James Dickinson, commander of United States Space Command, and Admiral Charles Richard, commander of United States Strategic Command, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
In the hearing, Tuberville unambiguously restated that Huntsville is well equipped with the infrastructure, industry partners and overall synergy needed to continue the success of Space Command.
Alabama’s junior senator noted the strong Yellowhammer State connections of both Richard and Dickinson and the understanding both leaders have of Alabama’s history of excellence across military and aerospace sectors.
“Alabama and Redstone Arsenal are ready for Space Command, but many people in this room probably don’t understand Redstone,” Tuberville said. “Redstone has been involved with space operations for 70 years. NASA’s only facility on a military base is the Marshall Space Flight Center. The largest consumer of space products is the US Army and Army Missile Command and has been at Redstone Arsenal since it was established in 1962.”
“Space technology won’t just be developed by the government to outpace China and Russia – which is going to be a challenge – we need private industry,” he continued. “The area around Redstone boasts 800 suppliers and contractors building the very latest in space technology.”
Tuberville emphasized that the Rocket City is objectively the best place to serve as the permanent headquarters for Space Command.
“I was at Redstone three weeks ago and Redstone has the land for space command to grow as your mission expands.” he noted. “It’s dedicated sixty-four acres behind the fence. Space Command as the base has temporary spaces for you right now if needed.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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