Air Force Names Lackland Alternative for Cyber Numbered Headquarters

American Forces Press Service

May 15, 2009 - The Air Force announced today that Lackland AFB, Texas, is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of 24th Air Force, a new numbered Air Force headquarters focused on the cyber mission. A final basing decision will not be made until the environmental process required under the National Environmental Policy Act is completed, military officials said.

Air Force officials announced in October the creation of a cyber-NAF under Air Force Space Command. The Air Force announced the six candidate bases for the NAF headquarters on Jan. 21, then began site surveys that teams completed on March 6. The six candidate bases were: Barksdale AFB, La.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Langley AFB, Va.; Offutt AFB, Neb.; Peterson AFB, Colo.; and Scott AFB, Ill.

"Site survey teams used previously approved criteria to gather information, assess capabilities, and refine initial data to thoroughly evaluate all candidate locations in accordance with our basing process," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy secretary of the Air Force for installations.

"These basing selections were made using a measured and deliberate process to ensure that the final decision is the best possible outcome for national defense and is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act," Ferguson said. "This information was then evaluated during a headquarters Air Force-level review to select the preferred alternative."

In selecting a preferred alternative for the cyber mission, Air Force officials considered cyber NAF mission synergy, including proximity to other cyber operational missions and access to scientific and technical expertise, as well as communication and bandwidth capabilities, officials said.

Other criteria included facilities and infrastructure, support capacity, security and transportation and access considerations. Following the completion of the environmental impact analysis, Air Force officials intend to make a final base selection this summer.