New Nuclear Command, but No Cyber Command

New Nuclear Command, but No Cyber Command: Ba

sed on decisions made at last week’s Corona leadership summit, the Air Force announced yesterday that it will establish a “nuclear-focused major command” to concentrate the service’s support for the US military’s nuclear and deterrence missions. And the service plans to create a new numbered air force for cyber operations within Air Force Space Command, apparently axing plans to form a major command for cyber. Locations for the new nuclear command and cyber NAF were not addressed and will require further deliberation, according to the announcement. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the service will announce “soon” more of its decisions regarding the nuclear enterprise, including the release of its nuclear roadmap, because they are “crucial steps” toward re-attaining excellence and re-vitalizing the Air Force’s nuclear culture. He said the conduct of cyber operations is “a complex issue,” as the Department of Defense and interagency partners have “substantial equity” in the realm. But the Air Force “will continue to do” its part to increase its cyber capabilities, he said. Among the other decisions rendered at Corona, the service leadership decided to assign a senior Air Force officer to certain joint force commanders; this officer will have command authority to direct air support. The service leaders also discussed which missions and functional specialties should receive additional allocations under the new 330,000 active duty end strength ceiling. “The leadership will work to close this issue for this budget cycle in the coming weeks,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

10/8/2008

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.