WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, following major effort to secure Florida as the home of Space Training and Readiness Command, also known as STARCOM, Senator Rick Scott applauded Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s decision to select Patrick Space Force Base for its permanent headquarters. Earlier last year, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio joined Representatives Bill Posey, Stephanie Murphy and their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Kendall regarding his forthcoming selection of a permanent location for the U.S. Space Force’s STARCOM. Today, it was announced their efforts to bring the command to Florida were successful.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I have been very supportive of bringing STARCOM to the Sunshine State, and today, I am proud to stand with my colleagues and Secretary Kendall to announce it will finally become a reality. This is a massive win for Florida’s role in our country’s space efforts that will bring more jobs and enhance our national security. Florida’s aerospace and aviation workforce is more than 100,000 strong with the skills and experience necessary to support STARCOM and Space Delta 10—that is complimented by the more than 40 colleges and universities boasting an extraordinary talent pipeline that continues to grow. Like I’ve always said, Florida has a long history of advancing America's national security and leadership in space, and I'm confident this strategic decision to headquarter STARCOM and Space Delta 10 in Florida’s Space Coast will continue that tradition for years to come.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “Patrick SFB and Cape Canaveral SFS hold an important place in America’s storied history in space. I am thrilled that Patrick SFB and Cape Canaveral SFS have been chosen as the preferred candidate for the headquarters of STARCOM. This is a major victory for Florida, and I am confident that STARCOM will be a great success in my home state.”

Congressman Bill Posey said, “Florida’s booming Space Coast is the world's premiere space port and the perfect location for Space Force’s STARCOM headquarters and Delta 10 unit. We are honored to be selected as the preferred location for these two important military units."

###