Florida lawmakers are celebrating the US Space Force’s decision to designate Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, as the Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters.
The original decision to install STARCOM in Florida was made in June 2023 but finalized in late May 2024.
STARCOM is responsible for educating and training Space Force members, or ‘Guardians’, developing the service’s doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures, and testing Space Force capabilities.
Patrick Space Force Base is located near Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, represented by US Representative Bill Posey (R-FL).
Representative Posey, who helped lobby for installing STARCOM in Florida, celebrated STARCOM’s arrival via X.
“Pleased to learn that the US Air Force selected Patrick Space Force Base as the permanent headquarters for STARCOM,” said Posey.
US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) also assisted Posey in his efforts.
Patrick Space Force Base outcompeted five other bases for STARCOM HQ. These were Buckley, Peterson, and Schriever Space Forces Bases in Colorado; and Vandenberg Space Force Base and Los Angeles Air Force Base in California.
According to the US Air Force, 350 personnel will comprise STARCOM HQ once it reaches full operational capability.
Personnel are expected to begin relocating from STARCOM’s temporary HQ in Colorado Springs, Colorado, near the end of the summer.
The Space Force also announced Space Delta 10, which develops Space Force doctrine and conducts wargames, will be at Patrick Space Force Base.
