WASHINGTON — Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said Tuesday there hasn’t been a recommendation or decision made on relocating the U.S. Space Command.
His remarks came during questioning from U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt in a hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
“There are some rumors out there that the president may overturn Space Command regarding the basing decision,” Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said. “I guess my question is what is your recommendation to the President and why would he [President Biden] overturn that decision?”
Kendall said he did not know of any decision by Biden on the issue.
“Congressman, I have no indication that the president is going to do anything with regard to that decision,” he said. “Secretary (of Defense Lloyd) Austin delegated it to me and that’s where it stays today.”
Aderholt followed up, asking Kendall what he did recommend.
“I haven’t made a recommendation; I haven’t made a decision,” he said. “We’re still in the process of doing some analysis.”
Aderholt’s questioning was in the wake of an opinion piece in The Washington Post that referenced internal communications in the Biden Administration about a reversal of the decision to relocate Space Command’s headquarters to Redstone Arsenal.
Redstone is the best location for Space Command and Huntsville won on the merits during the extensive evaluation process, Aderholt said. Colorado’s Peterson AFB was fifth among six candidate sites.
