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WASHINGTON: During a media conference here Nov. 2, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said the 8th Air Force would become the new Air Force Cyberspace Command.
“I am announcing the steps the Air Force is taking towards establishing an Air Force Cyberspace Command,” the secretary said. “The new Cyberspace Command is designated as the 8th Air Force… under the leadership of (Lt. Gen. Robert J. “Bob” Elder Jr.) He will develop the force by reaching across all Air Force commands to draw appropriate leaders and appropriate personnel.”
Secretary Wynne said the 67th Network Warfare Wing, now under 8th Air Force, and other elements already within the 8th, would provide “the center of mass” for the nascent Cyberspace Command.
The secretary also said Air Combat Command, Air Force Space Command and Air Force Materiel Command are working to develop the new Cyberspace Command, while Air Force personnel specialists are working to develop educational plans and career paths for those Airmen that will work within the new command.
“The aim is to develop a major command that stands alongside Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command as the provider of forces that the President, combatant commanders and the American people can rely on for preserving the freedom of access and commerce, in air, space and now cyberspace,” Secretary Wynne said.
Air Force leaders will begin detailed planning for the new Cyberspace Command Nov. 16 at the Cyber Summit. During the summit, Air Force leaders will chart a way ahead for the Air Force's role in cyberspace, also called the cyber domain.
