LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Air Force activated its newest numbered Air Force and realigned two units under its command in a joint ceremony here today.
The 24th Air Force activation under Air Force Space Command is a major milestone in the combination of space and cyberspace operations within one command.
Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command, presided over the ceremony to activate the numbered Air Force.
Maj. Gen. Richard Webber is the first commander of the numbered Air Force dedicated to cyberspace. The 24th Air Force will provide combat-ready forces trained and equipped to conduct sustained cyber operations, fully integrated within air and space operations.
After the 24th AF was activated, General Webber, presided over two additional events, the redesignation of the Air Force Information Operations Center as the 688th Information Operations Wing and the realignment of the 67th Network Warfare Wing under the 24th AF.
Col. Robert Skinner assumed command of the 688th IOW, while Col. Bradford J. Shwedo remained the 67th NWW commander.
The 688th IOW will continue to perform the mission the AFIOC previously conducted as the USAF's information operations center of excellence while also integrating engineering and installation expertise. The wing will synergistically create an information operations advantage for combatant forces through exploring, developing, applying and transitioning counter information technology, strategy, tactics and data to control the information battle space and providing the world's best IO leaders. Additionally, the wing will deliver a survivable and resilient infrastructure through fix-based and rapidly deployable C4I system engineering and installation services.
The 67th NWW's mission is to operate, manage, and defend global Air Force networks. The wing also trains and readies Airmen to execute computer network exploitation and attack. Additionally, the 67th NWW performs electronic systems security assessments for the Air Force and Joint community. The 67th NWW is the implementation element for the Air Force Network Operations Command and provides network warfare capabilities to Air Force, joint task force, and combatant commanders.
AFSPC provides an integrated constellation of space and cyberspace capabilities at the speed of need. This unique capacity and perspective, fielded by a battle-ready, responsive and forward-thinking team of America's best, is the engine behind precision strike, global awareness and data connectivity capabilities crucial to the Joint Forces and key to the future US military advantage.
For more information, contact Air Force Space Command at (719) 554-3731.