Air Force narrows possible cyber site to six bases
Thursday, January 22, 2009
WASHINGTON — The Air Force has identified six of its bases as possible sites for the new 24th Air Force, which will be responsible for cyber operations.
The narrowed-down list of prospective sites are Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Langley AFB, Va.; Offutt AFB, Neb.; Peterson AFB, Colo., and Scott AFB, Ill.
The Air Force expects to make the final selection by the end of June, officials said Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The unit will coordinate defenses of U.S. computer networks and attacks on enemy networks.
The selection criteria include proximity to other cyber operational missions, access to scientific and technical expertise, communication/bandwidth capabilities, security, support facilities and infrastructure.
Defense contractors with interests in serving the Air Force's cyber mission are closely watching the selection process.
The Air Force initially considered establishing a separate cyber command, but then decided to make it part of the planned new 24th Air Force unit.
