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Grissom pilots cyber security program

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  For decades, Grissom has been vital to the Air Force's global reach, but more recently Grissom became another valuable asset on a different battlefield.

Lt. Gen. Bill Bender, Air Force chief of information dominance and chief information officer, visited Grissom Jan. 13-14 to discuss the future of cyber security and meet the Airmen who are helping shape its future through a new pilot program.  

"We have a number of cyber security prototype initiatives taking place, and the 434th Air Refueling Wing has been selected as one of those pathfinders," said Bender "I wanted to come out very early on and meet the individuals in charge of those programs."

The 434th ARW was selected as one of two lead pilot squadrons in the Air Force Reserve Command to transition into a next generation communications squadron.

"The pilot program incorporates a new mission set that takes a proactive approach towards cyber security," said Capt. Dustin Schimp, 434th Communications Squadron director of operations who is spearheading the prototype. "Currently, our main goal is to ensure patches are up-to-date and computers are functioning properly, but through this pilot program we will expand the domain of what we defend into other areas that directly impact flight operations."

Areas that might be incorporated into their domain include weather systems, aircraft communications, and other electronic systems that have a direct impact to the refueling mission of the Hoosier Wing.

"Any area that's a vital part of sustaining our refueling mission is something that has to be protected," said Maj. Denney Neace, 434th CS commander. "Right now we are identifying those vulnerabilities and creating a plan to protect those assets.

"After they have been identified, we will then determine what additional resources such as manpower and equipment are needed to meet the cyber security initiatives," he explained.

During his visit, Bender echoed the importance of cyber security integration and lauded Grissom for leading the way.

"It's been a great opportunity to see the people at Grissom who are going to build our Air Force of the future to ensure we are protected from cyber security concerns," explained Bender. "We have to start viewing cyber security from as a proactive approach rather than reactive,"

Bender used the 2015 Office of Personnel Management breach as an example of how reactive measures can cost a significant amount more than proactive measures.

"The recent OPM breach has already cost the government millions of dollars and cost the enemy nothing," said Bender. "We have to continue protecting the information technology we've been protecting for the last 20 years, but more importantly we need to take a proactive approach to identify other percentage of vulnerabilities our enemies can take advantage of."

During the visit, Bender also had an opportunity to tour one of Grissom's 16 KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and operate a KC-135 simulator, but credited the people here as the base's best asset.

"My impression of Grissom is that you are all such a proud team; proud of your mission, proud of each other, willing to help each other, and that's the definition of teamwork," he said.  "It makes a big difference when you have so many people fully committed to the mission like you do here."

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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