U.S. Space Command’s move to Huntsville is continuing apace, according to Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting.
Why it matters: The Space Command move is launching a new chapter in Huntsville’s military history book, expected to bring jobs and investment and cement the Rocket City’s hold on America’s space industry.
Catch up quick: President Trump announced the decision to move Space Command from Colorado Springs to Redstone Arsenal in September.
- The move will bring an estimated 1,400 Space Command personnel to Redstone. Colorado sued the Trump administration over the decision in October, saying it was illegally based on the state’s voting practices.
Zoom in: Whiting declined to comment directly on the lawsuit Wednesday but said, “We’ve been given direction from the president, and that’s what we’re going to implement.”
- He said no timeline on construction has yet solidified, but Space Command’s program management office is up and running on the arsenal.
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink will be on hand Friday for the unveiling of Space Command’s sign, Whiting said.
What they’re saying: Whiting told Axios that whether folks decide to move from Colorado will be “individual decisions” — and that it’s on leaders to help people understand what’s available in North Alabama.
- “Certainly, military people follow orders,” he said. “Government civilians get choices, and so we’ll want to make sure they have all the information they can to make the best decision.”
- He said that, personally, he’s been visiting Huntsville for more than 30 years to visit his brother. Whiting’s mother was born on Auburn’s campus, he said, and his parents have now moved to Huntsville as well.
“We really are happy to be here in Huntsville and North Alabama,” Whiting said…