The Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 202nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group was activated on Aug. 28 in a ceremony at Otis ANGB, Mass., according to a release. The group is made up of three squadrons whose mission is to “conduct global integrated cyber ISR operations to detect, characterize, and mitigate cyber threats, exploit computer networks, and enable full-spectrum cyber operations.” Group commander Col. Joseph Morrissey said, “The importance of this mission cannot be overstated. Cyber is in the news every day and we have a unique opportunity to aid our nation in this domain.”
Amid a renewed focus on readiness, Congress moved to keep the Air Force’s shrinking combat fleet from getting even smaller in the latest version of its annual defense policy bill, blocking scores of divestments of two major fourth-generation fighters.

