The Omaha-area base has its own space legacy, with the Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command actually having overseen military space operations until just last year. Combine that mission synergy with Offuttâs tremendous communications infrastructure, a state university thatâs one of just 14 nationally designated by the Defense Department as a center for national security research, and community leaders whoâve shown theyâre not afraid to open their wallets in a big way to support the military. Taken together, those pushing the Offutt bid believe the base can rocket to the top. âWe have all the right things to be highly competitive for this mission,â said Rick Evans, a retired Air Force major general from Omaha who is working with the state and Greater Omaha Chamber on the Offutt bid. âI would be surprised if we arenât in the top 1 or 2. We have a solid chance.â