710th Network Operations Squadron activated

  • Published
  • By Maj. Alysia R. Harvey

The 960th Cyberspace Operations Group welcomed its newest squadron during an activation and assumption of command ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Nov. 6.

Col. Anthony M. Perkins, 960th CyOG commander presided over the ceremony, where Maj. Karl Miller assumed command of the 710th Network Operations Squadron.

Underscoring the importance of this new unit, Perkins started his remarks saying it is imperative that every Citizen Airman assigned to the 710th NOS understand and take ownership of his or her role in the squadron.  

“You are a building block of this squadron…this squadron is a building block of the 960th Cyberspace Operations Group,” Perkins said. “Collectively, as the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s only cyber group, we seamlessly integrate with our Regular Air Force counterparts. Together, we are the Air Force component’s cyber defense, providing information dominance for air, land, maritime and space domains to perform without hinder.”   

He went on to liken the mission of the unit to building airplanes while flying, referring to a TV commercial as a visual reference.

“If you have not seen or do not remember, the commercial, airplane mechanics are building a plane while it flies and customers are on board,” Perkins said. “Birds are flying through the fuselage, customers are trying to enjoy their flight, but more in a way people driving convertibles with the top down enjoy driving!” 

He continued, bridging the commercial to the work of this new unit.

“In the cyber domain, policy and procedure regarding authorities, levels of effort, manning and training, are being written and under constant review while we engage the enemy constantly”, said Perkins. “This has not been done before; collectively, we are ‘building airplanes while flying’.”

Despite the challenges that come with “building planes while flying”, Perkins concluded his remarks saying Major Miller is the person to command and take this squadron to full mission readiness.

“An officer with exemplary service on active duty, and now the Reserve component with a diverse background from flight command to mission systems to cyberspace operations warfare officer – Maj. Karl Miller is the best choice to lead the 710th NOS now.”  

After officially passing the flag and assuming command of the unit, Miller took to the podium, where he thanks Perkins for affording him the opportunity to lead the new squadron, and then praised the work of his new team, saying he’s honored to take command.

“I'm truly honored to be your squadron commander,” Miller said. “It's a pleasure to take the reins of such a highly respected group of folks.  To lead a group of Airmen of your caliber, makes the job that much easier for me and the rest of the squadron leadership team.”

Although the unit is new, the Citizen Airmen now assigned to the 710th NOS have a long-standing history of supporting Air Force reserve Command as a part of the MAJCOM Communication Coordination Center, commonly referred to as MCCC.  

“Your stellar reputation precedes you, and you should be proud of your past accomplishments,” Miller said.  “We have many great opportunities ahead of us to include setting up all the unit programs, hiring three full-time ARTs, filling 15 vacancies, and continuing the great work you've already done, and continuing the unit’s cyber journey.  I look forward to leading you in this journey and I know it will be very rewarding for all of us.”