SPACECOM reaches full operational capability amid political drama

U.S. Space Command, which has been at the center of a high-level political controversy for more than a year, has reached full operational capability in Colorado Springs, CO.

Army Gen. James Dickinson, SPACOM’s commander, declared FOC today during a town hall headquarters meeting.

“Since its establishment in 2019, USSPACECOM has been singularly focused on delivering exquisite capability to the joint force to deter conflict, defend our vital interests, and, if necessary, defeat aggression,” he said. “Thanks to the disciplined initiative of our people and the support of our joint, combined and partnered team, I can confidently say we have reached full operational capability.”

The announcement follows the declaration of Initial Operational Capability on Aug. 24, 2021.

“As the command has matured, challenges to a safe, secure, stable and sustainable space domain have significantly increased,” Dickinson said. “Both the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation are fielding counter space capabilities designed to hold U.S., Allied and partner space assets at risk. And North Korea and Iran are in the early stages of developing their space enterprise.”

But Congress, in a controversy that has pitted Republican lawmakers against one another, remains at odds over SPACECOM’s headquarters location.

The newly approved fiscal year 2024 defense authorization bill blocked funding for further SPACECOM headquarters construction until June 30, 2024, pending reviews by the Government Accountability Office and Defense Department inspector general, which have been directed to review the Biden administration’s selection of Colorado Springs over Huntsville, AL.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) -- and the rest of the Alabama congressional delegation -- has said he wants to further investigate why a Trump administration decision to locate SPACECOM in his home state of Alabama was reversed by President Biden.

Meanwhile, Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), chairman of the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee, released a statement praising SPACECOM’s work.

“This achievement continues to show that Colorado Springs is the right location for USSPACECOM for our nation’s readiness,” he said.

Dickinson, in the SPACECOM announcement, thanked the “Colorado Springs community for their continued support of our mission and our service members and their families.”