State Representative Ty Mathews Supports Effort to Bring U.S. Space Force Academy to Ohio

State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) recently signed a letter addressed to Governor DeWine, expressing strong support for Ohio to be named the future home of the U.S. Space Force Academy. 

The letter, signed by Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and members of the House Republican Caucus, highlights Ohio’s rich history of aerospace pioneers such as Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, as well as the state’s longstanding leadership in innovation, robust network of military installations, and defense industry partnerships.

"Dayton isn't just where powered flight began; it's where America's aerospace and defense future is being built," said Mathews. "This region has the groundwork, the infrastructure, and the university partnerships the Space Force Academy needs. Bringing it here is the natural next step.”

Mathews, a U.S. Army Infantry officer in the Ohio National Guard and Iraq War veteran, was the lead sponsor and driving force behind House Bill 292, which created the Ohio Defense and Space Commission and positioned the state to compete for investments like this one. The bill establishes a statewide Defense and Aerospace Industries Expansion Program to recruit investment, support R&D, and grow the workforce pipeline, and passed the Ohio House unanimously.

"I championed HB 292 to give Ohio the infrastructure to compete for exactly this kind of opportunity," Mathews said. "Landing the Space Academy in Dayton would be the next chapter — more high-skill jobs and a stronger foothold in the space economy."

Mathews said he will continue working with state and local leaders, Wright State, and Ohio's congressional delegation as the site-selection process moves forward, and looks forward to continuing conversations with House Leadership, Senate President Rob McColley, and the Governor's administration to keep Ohio a leading candidate to land the initiative.

This letter follows an announcement from Senator Bernie Moreno earlier this week, calling on Ohio officials to join him in bringing the U.S. Space Force Academy to Dayton, Ohio – the birthplace of aviation. You can read the full release here.