Vandenberg Air Force Base is in the running to become the headquarters for the new U.S. Space Command.
On Wednesday, a coalition of local and state leaders announced a "master plan" to establish a world-class spaceport at Vandenberg and make the Central Coast a hub for space-related economic development.
"I can tell you that as it was already told to you, this is an exciting time. Vandenberg is space country. There's no doubt about it," said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The 30th Space Wing, California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, Cal Poly, REACH, and Deloitte announced their new partnership and Memorandum of Understanding during a Zoom meeting Wednesday.
Naming Vandenberg the Space Command headquarters is a major goal.
"Everybody who played the role to make sure that we are doing a full press to make sure that Vandenberg is the one that's selected at the end of the day," said Rep. Salud Carbajal.
There were also many letters of support from Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, the City of Santa Maria, and many others.
REACH President Melissa James says this is also part of a big initiative to bring more high-paying careers to the region.
"These future companies represent jobs of the future, high-paying positions and STEM-related fields with ripple effects and construction and development, project management, logistics, and beyond. The benefits will be felt region-wide," James said.
For now, they say they will all continue to work together diligently moving forward.
"My hope is that we continue to reach out with other partners and industry and academia to help shape the future spaceport here at Vandenberg in a way that benefits all," Col. Mastalir said.
The U.S Air Force will begin to formally evaluate Vandenberg Air Force Base as a possible headquarters.
The Air Force expects to make a decision by early next year and construction would take about six years.
