A team of Air Force Space Command-led inspectors deemed 24th Air Force, the service’s new cyber operations arm, “ready” after an initial assessment in December of its ability to conduct Air Force network operations and control USAF’s network. This score is an important milestone as the new numbered air force, which is headquartered at Lackland AFB, Tex., advances towards being cleared to assume initial operations. “While this is great news for the entire 24th Air Force team, they know this is just another key step on the path to operational readiness,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Webber, 24th AF boss. This initial operational capability assessment occurred on Dec. 22. Webber said this test was the first of many that 24th AF operators and support staff will undergo in the next year. (Lackland release)
A second B-52H Stratofortress is now being modified with a upgraded radar for testing after the first test bomber crashed in June, and work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, officials said July 27.