Thu, Aug 13, 2009
Numbered Air Force Conducts Cyber Operations Integrated With
Air And Space Missions
The U.S. Air Force announced today that Lackland Air Force
Base, Texas, has been selected as the permanent location of the
24th Air Force headquarters, a numbered air force (NAF) designed to
conduct cyber operations activities for the Air Force.
The selection of the 24th Air Force headquarters location follows
completion of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process required by
the National Environmental Policy Act. "The thorough evaluation
process, which included a 30-day public comment period, determined
a finding of no significant impact," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy
assistant secretary for installations.
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was previously identified as the
Air Force's preferred alternative and Peterson Air Force Base, CO,
was another alternative considered in this process. "The standup of
this NAF will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility
dedicated to cyber operations," said, Maj. Gen. Richard Webber, who
will assume command of 24th Air Force later this month.
In October 2008, Air Force officials announced the creation a
Cyber-Numbered Air Force under Air Force Space Command. The Air
Force announced the six candidate bases for the numbered Air Force
headquarters Jan. 21, and then began site surveys that teams
completed on March 6. "Site survey teams used previously
approved criteria to gather information, assess capabilities, and
refine initial data to thoroughly evaluate all candidate locations
in accordance with our basing process," said Kathleen Ferguson, the
deputy secretary of the Air Force for installations. "She added
that these basing selections were made using a measured and
deliberate process to ensure that the final decision is the best
possible outcome for national defense and is in compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act."
This information was then evaluated during a Headquarters Air
Force-level review to select the preferred alternative, she
added.
In selecting a preferred alternative for the cyber mission, Air
Force officials considered cyber Numbered Air Force mission synergy
(including proximity to other cyber operational missions and access
to scientific and technical expertise) as well as communication and
bandwidth capabilities. Other criteria evaluated included
facilities and infrastructure, support capacity, security and
transportation/access considerations.
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