New cyber boss named

The new 24th Air Force has a new commander as of this afternoon.

Air Force officials announced late today that Maj. Gen. Richard Webber will assume command of the new NAF that will focus on cyber activities.

Currently, General Webber is the assistant deputy chief for air, space and information operations, plans and requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington. In this position, he is responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff for formulating policy supporting air, space, nuclear, counterproliferation, homeland security, weather and cyber operations. As the Air Force Operations Deputy to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Webber determines operational requirements, capabilities and training necessary to support national security objectives and military strategy.

Webber is a command space and missile operator with qualifications in the Minuteman II, Minuteman III, Global Positioning Satellite and Counter Communications System weapon systems.

Webber’s complete biography is located at http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7533.

Last fall, the Secretary of the Air Force decided to stand up a NAF dedicated to cyberspace. This new NAF will provide combat-ready forces trained and equipped to conduct sustained cyber operations, fully integrated with air and space operations.

The 24th Air Force is under Air Force Space Command and will consolidate cyberspace combat forces and allow for future growth, according to an AF release.

The final basing decision hasn't been made, but is in process.