Hill a headquarters finalist
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By MITCH SHAW
Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau
Air Force seeks command center for cyberspace security
HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- The United States Air Force has always been known for patrolling the skies, but soon the service may also be known for protecting a completely new realm -- cyberspace.
This summer, Air Force officials will visit and evaluate 18 bases around the country to determine the best site to become permanent headquarters for the Air Force Cyber Command.
Hill Air Force Base is among those 18 finalists.
The new program will protect the military and federal government from cyber-based security threats to computers, radios and radar and satellite communications, as well as to air traffic-control equipment.
"Our domain is obviously in the air," said Ed Gulick, an Air Force spokesman at the Pentagon. "But we have this new domain, and protecting it is just like protecting the sky. We deny adversaries access to the sky and make it secure, and that's what we'll do in cyberspace."
Jerry Stevenson, president of the Utah Defense Alliance, said bringing the command to Hill would be good for the base and the communities of Northern Utah.
"It will bring a contingent of real-quality people to Hill and the surrounding communities," he said. "And it fits in well with what Hill already does."
In addition to looking at base capabilities, officials intend to gather input from the communities that support the respective locations -- an approach the Air Force typically doesn't take.
Air Force Assistant Secretary Bill Anderson sent letters to the governors of each state with a base in the running, asking for input and support.
"We believe the unique nature of this new domain dictates a complete understanding of the supporting capabilities of our bases and their surrounding communities," Anderson said in the letter. "We are systematically moving through a sound basing process to ensure mission requirements determine the best location for this important command."
Lisa Roskelley, director of communications for Gov. Jon Huntsman, said the governor is committed to bringing the command to Hill.
"It would really be a terrific addition to the missions at Hill Air Force Base," she said. "It parallels what Hill already does. The base is well-suited for it."
The Air Force will announce the command's home in September 2009. Until then, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., will serve as the interim location.
Hill officials were first contacted for comment about two weeks ago. A spokesman for the 75th Air Base Wing said Friday a response from base officials could not be cleared until Monday or Tuesday.
In addition to Hill, bases in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia are being considered for the command.
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