def #120 05/18/08

OCEAN COUNTY SUPPORTS CYBER MISSION

TOMS RIVER – In this high tech world of intricate computer networks fed by satellites and a host of other devices, the Air Force is now looking for a headquarters for its Air Force Cyber Command Headquarters and New Jersey is on the list for potential locations.

“In particular, McGuire Air Force Base which is part of the Joint Base that also includes Navy Lakehurst and Fort Dix is on the list as a potential site for this mission,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as a member of the Friends of Navy Lakehurst. “I believe it’s important to support this particular mission with our reliance on technology growing everyday.

“Bringing this mission to New Jersey would be beneficial to homeland security and also to our economy,” Kelly said.

Kelly noted that the state Council on Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs is working to bring this mission to the Joint Base.

Emil Kaunitz who serves as the president of the Friends of Navy Lakehurst is the county representative on that council.

“I believe that the Air Force will find that Joint Base New Jersey has available, the best mix of people, facilities and resources necessary to keep the nation cyber secure,” Kaunitz said. “After reviewing the Joint Base New Jersey proposal, the Air Force will realize what we already know; that our communities are among the most desirable in the nation in which to live.”

The new cyber command’s mission would be to protect the nation from attacks on its electronic and information systems. The mission also would have an offensive function with ability to attack enemy computer and communications systems.

If brought to the Joint Base here, the Air Force Cyber Command Headquarters could generate thousands of ancillary and contractor jobs needed to support the more than 541 primary military personnel attached to the headquarters.

“This is the kind of mission that is very important to our nation and fits in perfectly with this area,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “High technology jobs are part of an industry that we embrace here in Ocean County.”

The states in the running to host the permanent headquarters are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Proposals are expected to be evaluated between July and November. The United States Air Force is currently undergoing planning and site selection processes to identify the eventual home of Air Force Cyber Command Headquarters. A decision for a location is likely to be made next year.


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