Air Force Online

The Air Force's only unit solely dedicated to the support and execution of cyberwarfare operations came online today, according to a service statement.

Stood up under Air Force Space Command, the 24th Air Force will be the focal point for all component numbered air force responsibilities for cyberwarfare. Offensive and defensive cyberwarfare missions carried out by elements of the 24th will be "in support of combatant commanders for the Air Force's cyberspace mission," according to the statement. The 24th will also serve as the air service component for U.S. Cyber Command, it adds.

Air Force officials completed a readiness assessment issued by the service's major command chiefs on Sept 11, according to the statement. That review was the final milestone before the 24th could achieve full operational capability.

“We’re proud of this significant milestone and will continue to provide cyberspace capabilities to defend the Air Force portion of the network, meet U.S. Strategic Command requirements when tasked, and supply cyber-trained forces to combatant commanders to enable joint operations," Maj. Gen. Richard Webber, commander of the 24th Air Force, said.

Senior service leaders, under the direction of former Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and retired Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, had initially planned to create a new Air Force command to conduct cyber operations. But with Defense Secretary Robert Gates officially directing the creation of CYBERCOM, service leaders opted to abandon the command structure, and reorganize the effort as a numbered air force.