688th Cyberspace Wing salutes their new commander

  • Published
  • By Manuel Garcia
JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas --  U.S. Air Force Col. Chantel Booker officially took command of the nation’s first cyberspace wing, taking the reins from 688th Cyberspace Wing Commander Col. Joshua Rockhill during the 688th CW change of command ceremony July 8, 2025.

Booker is no stranger to the multifaceted mission set of the 688th CW.

She served as the 688th CW deputy commander delivering deployable intelligence and warfighter communications from July 2022–June 2024.

“I'm both humbled and honored to join you again,” said Booker to the Airmen of the 688th CW. “The 688th is at the very forefront of cyberspace operations, as you know, delivering vital capabilities for our Air Force.”

Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander who presided over the ceremony emphasized how Booker will continue leading the wings’ cyberspace warfighting capabilities.  

He noted 688th’s dedication of delivering actionable intelligence and tactics, techniques, and procedures, deploying warfighter communications, engineering and installation capabilities, defensive cyber operations, and network security operations across the Air Force Information Network enterprise.  

 “When you review Chantel's resume, it’s clear she was tailor-made for the responsibilities of this wing command” said Hensley, highlighting Booker’s time at ACC as Deputy A6.

“She excelled in her role, advocating for the resources to empower the 688th CW in their mission,” said Hensley.

Rockhill’s individual excellence within the 688th CW was also recognized during the ceremony. Hensley presented him with a Legion of Merit medal for his exceptionally meritorious performance as commander of the 688th Cyberspace Wing.

Hensley emphasized Rockhill's bold leadership, in an environment of emerging and increasing threats from other nation states and other malicious cyber actors.

“Colonel Rockhill in his two years made some bold moves to really transform the 688th Wing and the men and women of the 688th… they absolutely delivered every single time,” said Hensley.

Before departing Rockhill addressed his former unit.

“Our nation is better for your tremendous efforts, I could not in any way be more assertive, your momentum in your continued trajectory,” said Rockhill. He then gave a final salute to the Air Force.

Following the ceremony, he retired after 32 years of honorable and dedicated service to this country.

Booker concluded her speech addressing the Airmen of 688th CW, “DOD and the Air Force service is undergoing changes as well and there’s opportunity to continue focusing and improving on readiness, normalizing how we operate in those operating constructs, normalizing how we execute our components of our mission.”