Construction begins on first cyber warfare intelligence center

5/14/2010 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Engineers with the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment have begun construction on the new 38,000 square-foot cyber warfare command center. The facility will be home for the 68th Network Warfare Squadron and the 710th Information Operations Flight currently located at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio.

Officials from the 68th NWS recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially commence construction. It is cheduled to be completed this fall.

"This building will be the first of its kind in the nation, as well as the first step in the new warfare, cyber warfare," said Col. Bradford Shwedo, 68th NWS commander.

Air Force officials chose Lackland AFB to be the hub of cyber command operations. One reason was because of its proximity to other cyber-related commands such as the National Security Agency's Texas Cryptologic Center; the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency; the 67th Network Warfare Wing; the Joint Information Operations Warfare Command; and the Air Force Cryptologic Support Group.

The facility's construction is one of the base realignment and closure projects being managed and executed through AFCEE and constructed by TolTest, Inc.

The BRAC commission is a federal entity set up to review the assets and property of military installations, close excess bases and realign operations and resources to maximize tax payer dollars.

The facility will serve as an office building for 400 employees. Some amenities include a sensitive compartmented information facility, also known as a SCIF, a breakroom, and an additional 4,000 square feet for a 100-space parking lot and a two-lane road.

The building, which will serve as an office building for 400 employees, will be designed and constructed in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design requirements. LEED is a goal-oriented approach to the design, construction, and operation of "green" buildings. LEED certification requires the facilities built have environmentally friendly features, use recyclable materials when possible, and use energy efficient lighting and appliances.

"We are excited about the opportunity to design and construct the intelligence operations center for the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air Force Space Command, which will be essential to the execution of their cyber warfare capabilities," said AFCEE project manager Mark Stough.