Sterling Heights’ nomination to host the headquarters of the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) has met Air Force’s initial required screening criteria and has been selected to move on to the next phase of selection process for further evaluation.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor received the notice today from Assistant Secretary of the Air Force John W. Henderson, P.E.
The Department of the Air Force will assess Sterling Heights’ ability to host, employ and sustain USSPACECOM by reviewing four primary factors: Mission, Capacity, Community Support and Costs to the Department of Defense.
“Although a lot of the evaluation will rely on hard data, the Air Force has said community input is essential,” said Taylor. “The fact that our region has such a robust defense presence, industrial base, and a skilled workforce second to none will surely set our community apart during the evaluation phase. But I think the icing on the cake is the sense of military support imbued in our local culture. You’d be hard pressed to find another community that shares the level of support for the armed forces we see here.”
“The state of Michigan has the talent and tools necessary to house the future U.S. Space Command headquarters. From our days as the Arsenal of Democracy, to now being an Arsenal of Innovation, we are a leader in developing and producing next generation technologies. And in Macomb County, we have a highly-skilled and trained workforce and a strategic location alongside Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “I am hopeful that these assets give our region a competitive advantage during this next phase of further evaluation. We stand ready to become the epicenter of defense for land, air and space.”
Completed questionnaires are due back to the Air Force by Aug. 30, and Sterling Heights, Macomb County, and the State of Michigan look forward to working collaboratively to highlight all the reasons why the United States Space Command should locate in the City.