Finalists Sites Named for Global Strike, Cyber HQs

Finalists Sites Named for Global Strike, Cyber HQs: The Air Force announced yesterday that the possible locations for the eventual permanent home of Air Force Global Strike Command are: Barksdale AFB, La., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Minot AFB, N.D., Offutt AFB, Neb., and Whiteman AFB, Mo. The service expects to make a decision no later than the end of June. A similar timeline has been set for picking the permanent headquarters for 24th Air Force, the new cyber Numbered Air Force under Air Force Space Command, from among six finalists, USAF also announced yesterday. They are Barksdale and Offutt as well as Lackland AFB, Tex., Langley AFB, Va., Peterson AFB, Colo., and Scott AFB, Ill. In both cases, service officials said they will proceed in a measured and deliberate fashion to determine the winning location for each mission. “Current performance of a significant operational function associated with strategic nuclear forces is an overarching requirement for selecting the Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters base,” the service said. In the case for the cyber NAF, attributes such as proximity to other cyber operational missions, access to scientific and technical expertise, and communication/bandwidth capabilities will be key determinants. Bolling AFB, D.C., is serving as the provisional headquarters for AFGSC since early this month, while Barksdale has hosted the temporary seat of cyber operations for more than one year.

1/22/2009

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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.

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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.