Is Peoria the next home of Space Force?
U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) and Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) are spearheading an effort to promote Peoria as the permanent home for the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) headquarters. The city of Peoria has also submitted their self-nomination letter with Governor Ducey’s endorsement to the Department of the Air Force.
“Space is a primary domain for a 21st century military. I have been proud to work with President Trump to push our National Defense Strategy back toward the realm of great power competition, recognizing the frontiers that require U.S. mastery for our national security. Arizona has a proud history and well-developed infrastructure which has contributed greatly to our nation’s pursuit of advanced space flight through a favorable climate, an extensive presence of aerospace and defense industry, and several Arizona academic institutions that greatly contribute to our nation’s space program,” says Gosar. “Arizona has been at the forefront of the United States’ development and superiority of air and space. As our country prepares for the next challenge, it only makes sense that Space Force leverage our existing infrastructure and patriotism for its permanent headquarters.”
Congresswoman Lesko echoes his sentiment.
“My hometown of Peoria, Arizona, located in the heart of my congressional district, would be the perfect location for the headquarters of the United States Space Force Command,” she says. “Based on the criteria released by the Department of the Air Force earlier this year, Peoria meets all requirements for command headquarters. My district is already home to Luke Air Force Base and our community is proud of the support we provide to our outstanding airmen and women. We would love to welcome the Space Force to our district.”
Arizona cities Glendale and Youngtown were also nominated for consideration.
“The Department of the Air Force announced in May 2020 that Space Force Command headquarters locations would require an AARP index score of 50 or higher, be located 25 miles from a military installation, and in the top 150 metro areas, Glendale, Peoria, and Youngtown all meet these requirements,” Lesko says.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, Youngtown Mayor Michael LeVault, and Governor Doug Ducey all support the nomination of these cities to serve as the Space Force Command Headquarters.
According to a Space Force, the potential candidates will receive additional information from the Air Force as part of the process for assessing their suitability to host the U.S. Space Command headquarters, based on the approved requirements and evaluation criteria.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, remains the location for the provisional headquarters for U.S. Space Command headquarters until a permanent headquarters location is selected and facilities are ready in approximately six years. A preferred location will be announced in early 2021.
