USAFE communications directorate wins DOD-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Womack
  • USAFE Communications and Information
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Communications and Information directorate was recently selected for the Department of Defense Information Assurance Award by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration.

The award recognizes the command’s support to integrated information assurance, situational awareness and command and control.

“The Networks and Information Integration evaluation team visited us last year,” said Col. Steven Spano, USAFE Communications and Information director. “They praised our USAFE network professionals and their capability to control our enterprise, maintain senior leader awareness of mission critical issues, and respond to cyber attacks on our networks.”

In addition, the USAFE Network Operations and Security Center , Ramstein Air Base, Germany , was credited for developing an enterprise-wide information assurance view and for effectively integrating alert, warning and response capabilities that exceed IA strategy command and control expectations.

The command’s network defense was further strengthened by Headquarters USAFE information assurance experts, said Clyde Cummings, who oversees information assurance for all of USAFE.

Mr. Cummings attributes the success to the cooperative and close relationship between his team and base information assurance personnel.

“Together they developed a strong theater-wide Communications, Emissions and Computer Security program that is sure to be an Air Force best practice,” he said.

Teamwork and dedication to duty is what this award is all about, said Colonel Spano.

“Receiving this high-level 2004 Information Assurance award is a great honor for our ‘network defenders,’” he said. “The award clearly shows the superior efforts of USAFE’s multi-facet information assurance team who ensured our networks were continually optimized and protected to provide rock-solid support to missions throughout the entire European theater."