Air Force Space Command’s 24th Air Force, USAF’s cyber operations arm at Lackland AFB, Tex., on Dec. 7 changed from “Air Forces Strategic” to “Air Forces Cyber.” Officials said the change would reflect better the numbered air force’s mission and its role as the Air Force element supporting the newly established US Cyber Command at Fort, Meade, Md. (CYBERCOM is the lead organization for protecting the Defense Department’s networks.) When AFSPC stood up 24th AF, CYBERCOM, a subunified command under US Strategic Command, did not exist. Col. Mark Ware, 24th AF’s director of cyberspace plans and operations, said the name change “will not impact the 24th Air Force’s mission.” According to Ware, Wednesday’s move came five years to the day that the Air Force added “cyberspace,” for the first time, to its mission statement. (Lackland report by TSgt. Scott McNabb)
The Pentagon agency charged with building and operating U.S. spy satellites recently declassified some details about a Cold War-era surveillance program called Jumpseat—a revelation it says sheds light on the importance of satellite imaging technology and how it has advanced in the decades since.
