The Air Force on Wednesday began to implement a phased-plan to open access on the Air Force network (AFNET) to Internet-based social-networking sites based on a new policy change. During the initial phase, five Pacific Air Forces bases (Andersen AFB, Guam; Eielson AFB, Alaska; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; and Yokota AB, Japan) will have access on a test basis. This will lead to a risk assessment prior to 24th Air Force, USAF’s cyber operations arm under Air Force Space Command, opening the social-networking sites Air Force-wide later in April. “We recognize the importance of allowing Airmen to have access to more Internet-based capabilities to conduct business and communicate,” said Gen. Robert Kehler, AFSPC boss. He added, however, that this access has to be balanced with the No. 1 priority of protecting the network. (Peterson report) (For more on AFNET, read Man On the Loop)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.