U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) successfully helped secure the transfer of five units at Dayton, Ohio-based Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Space Force, action that the congressman has advocated for with senior military and political leaders for several months.
“As Space Force develops, it is necessary for its success that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is involved in its mission,” Rep. Turner said. “The Space Force’s announcement that it will transfer five units at Wright-Patt from the Air Force to the Space Force shows that the Pentagon understands the unique capabilities of Wright-Patt in regard to our national mission in space and intends to capitalize on that.”
The creation of the Space Force initially presented both a threat and opportunity to WPAFB, according to Rep. Turner’s office, which noted that the Space Force and the Air Force have overlapping missions that potentially could have moved out missions and jobs from WPAFB to other bases around the country.
Rep. Turner worked diligently to explain the capabilities and assets located at WPAFB, and was able to capitalize on the opportunity to help establish a large initial footprint at WPAFB in the newly created Space Force, according to his office.
“I have continued to advocate to the Space Force leadership that Wright-Patt and NASIC have a lot to offer in terms of already developed capabilities and trained personnel that could assist in the Space Force’s mission,” the congressman said. “I will continue to advocate for Wright-Patt’s capabilities in space as Space Force is stood up.”
Jeff Hoagland, president and chief executive officer of the Dayton Development Coalition, noted that the transfer of Wright-Patterson missions from the Air Force to the Space Force ensures that the base will have an early and important role in the new organization.
“As the Space Force develops and grows, Wright-Patterson will grow with it, evolving into a base that jointly serves both missions,” he said. “I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Turner keeping close watch on the creation of the Space Force and its relationship to the base.”