California Aerospace Caucus Co-Chairs Lieu and Calvert Announce Space Force Systems Command at Los Angeles Air Force Base

Press Release

Today, California Aerospace Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) announced that the U.S. Space Force will establish Space Systems Command at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. The Secretary of the Air Force announced that LA AFB will now be home to the headquarters of Space Systems Command, which will be tasked with overseeing all efforts to develop, acquire, launch, and sustain military space systems. SSC is one of three major commands under the U.S. Space Force. SSC will generate additional missions for the base, including oversight for launch operations out of Vandenberg AFB and Cape Canaveral.

The Pentagon's decision cements Southern California's leading role as an aerospace hub based on a unique ecosystem including the base, the Aerospace Corporation (a federally-funded research and development center), outstanding research universities, and leading aerospace companies and startups. In the coming months, the Air Force will hold a change of command ceremony following the nomination and confirmation of a U.S. Space Force Systems Commander. Both Representatives Lieu and Calvert had been working with the Pentagon on Space Force issues and requested the Pentagon to consider locating Space Systems Command at LA AFB.

"With every passing day, space becomes more critical for our national security and for commercial activities, and I'm pleased that Southern California and Los Angeles Air Force Base will be at the center of an increased emphasis on space," said Rep. Lieu. "Southern California was already leading the way on aerospace and space innovation, and establishing the Space Systems Command at LA AFB will position our region for further growth. Rep. Calvert and I had been working on locating SSC at LA AFB because we have some of the brightest minds, best universities and leading space companies located in the region. Having served on active duty at LA AFB, I am well aware of the tremendous assets and advantages the base offers for our national security. We are ushering in a new era focused on space and I'm thrilled Southern California and LA AFB will be at the forefront."

"I am pleased that the Air Force has selected LA Air Force Base to be home to the new SSC because southern California is the space and aerospace intellectual capital of the world," said Rep. Calvert. "The alignment of SSC at LA AFB ensures that the Air Force and Space Force will continue to partner with industry to develop, build and field the most advanced and capable space systems. The challenge before the new Space Systems Command is great: we are in a race for superiority in space, we cannot rely on the antiquated acquisitions practices of the past, but we must move quickly and competently. I know the men and women of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force are up to the task and I look forward to the good work that SSC will do."

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