24th Air Force held a celebratory cake-cutting and burger burn Aug. 18, 2017, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to celebrate eight years of Air Forces Cyber.
The numbered air force, which serves as the Air Force component of U.S. Cyber Command, is responsible for planning and conducting cyberspace operations in support of combatant commands.
24th AF was activated at Lackland Air Force Base on Aug. 18, 2009 under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Richard Webber. At its onset 24th AF consisted of two wings as well as the 624th Operations Center. The 5th Combat Communications Group (then 5th Combat Communications Wing) would not be added until October of the same year.
Since 2009 change has been a constant as the organization matures and grows. Today 24th AF consists of 31,000 active-duty military and civilians, plus an additional 13,000 Guardsmen and Reserves. The mission too has grown, and now is encapsulated by its six lines of effort, known by the moniker BOSDEE: Build, Operate, Secure, Defend, Extend, and Engage.
“If you think about what we have done in only eight years, no other domain can match the learning curve that we have followed and that is entirely due to the hard work of the Airmen and civilians of this institution,” said Maj. Gen. Chris Weggeman, 24th Air Force Commander.
While by no means a complete list, take a look at the articles below for a few of the highlights 24th AF has accomplished during its eighth year.
Sept. 20, 2016: 5th CCG personnel respond to a U-2 Dragon Lady crash in Sacramento, CA.
Oct. 24, 2016: All Cyber Mission Force Teams achieve Initial Operating Capability
Dec. 15, 2016: Air Force declares Initial Operating Capability status for ARAD tool
Feb. 4, 2017: Cyber participates in Exercise Red Flag
May 17, 2017: The drive to CMF Full Operating Capability continues as two CPTs are validated FOC status during exercise Black Demon