By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After a nationwide search for a full-time location, the Air Force has selected Huntsville, Ala. to be the home of the U.S. Space Command Headquarters.

According to a statement from Governor Kay Ivey (R-Ala.), she joined officials with Redstone Arsenal and the City of Huntsville late last month to give a final pitch to Pentagon officials. The command is currently running out of Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

“I couldn’t be more please to learn that Alabama will be the new home to the United States Space Command,” said Ivey. “Our state has long provided exceptional support for our military and their families as well as a rich and storied history when it comes to space exploration...the Redstone Region is the most natural choice to become home to such an important mission for our country.”

Huntsville was selected out of the six finalist locations, including its current home in Colorado, Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska, Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.

"Alabama is already widely recognized for its important contributions to our national defense, and this decision further elevates our state as a leader in space and defense technology. I applaud the work of the Huntsville community, State leaders, the Congressional delegation, and especially my colleague Sen. Richard Shelby, for helping make this decision a reality," said U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville.

President Donald Trump established the U.S. Space Command in December 2018.