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J May-june 2009 27 “Our nation’s security relies heavily on the enduring attributes of the intercontinental ballistic missile force and the dedication and professionalism of those who secure, maintain and operate it,” he said. Recent changes to revitalize the Air Force’s nuclear enterprise are underway and have become General Kehler’s primary focal point. “Our first priority is re-invigorating the nuclear enterprise. As we prepare to transition the ICBM mission to Air Force Global Strike Command, we will maintain our standard of perfection in mission performance and focus on taking care of our people,” said General Kehler. “Our people and their expertise are critical to our success. They are incredibly dedicated professionals that will drive this new command to great success.” Another great concern on the general’s mind these days is improving protection of U.S. space systems and increasing situ- ational awareness in space. “We now operate in a contested space domain with increased threats to our space capabilities including radio frequency jam- ming, laser blinding, and anti-satellite systems,” he said. At his direction, General Kehler has a team of experts work- ing to prevent these threats. Last year, he led the establish- ment of the space protection program along with the National Reconnaissance Office, which will provide decision makers with a range of informed options and recommendations demonstrating the best means to protect America’s space systems and stay ahead of the threats. “We have already taken steps to improve space protection, including strengthening our cyber and physical security. Many of our on-orbit systems were designed and built to operate in a nuclear environment,” said General Kehler. In addition, the general considers the safety and protection of cyberspace to be at the top of his list. “Make no mistake about it; the fight is on in cyberspace,” he said. “When we come to work and log in, we are entering a war zone where everyone must be a defender. Our cyber space capabilities are too important and too tempting a military target for the Air Force to ever take it for granted. It’s not about whether we’ll be attacked, it’s about whether we’ll be prepared for the attack.” The general noted that cyberspace is the most prevalent of the domains in which the U.S. military currently operates and said securing it is critical to all joint activities. To lead the charge in the cyber arena, a new numbered Air Force, the 24th Air Force, is being organized under Air Force Space Command. The 24th Air Force will be made up of cyberspace warriors supporting a more combat capable and highly effective force providing security to joint and coalition partners around the globe. “As we stand-up the 24th Air Force, our overarching objectives in cyberspace will include assuring freedom of action for friendly operations, denying adversaries’ freedom of action when needed, and creating effects in, through and from the domain,” he said. “Since these domains are increasingly interdependent, loss of control in any one domain could lead to loss of control in all the domains.” In addition to fighting the enemy through space and in cyber- space, the Airmen of Air Force Space Command are also doing their part on the ground. “Our Airmen actively support expeditionary operations with members deployed downrange and supporting from bases here in the United States. AFSPC professionals are in this fight, 24-hours- a-day, every day,” said General Kehler. our nation’s security relies heavily on the enduring at- tributes of the intercon- tinental ballistic missile force and the dedication and professionalism of those who secure, main- tain and operate it. — gen. C. Robert kehler The 45th Space Wing from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. supports a Delta II launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Delta II, designed to launch global positioning system satellites into orbit, has been a workhorse in the world of spacelift with more than 130 successful launches.