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Secretary of the Air Force participates in cybersecurity event

  • Published
  • By Rachel Kibbe Williams
  • 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber)
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Kennedy, commander of Sixteenth Air Force, during his visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Nov. 4-5, 2022.

Kendall discussed ongoing service-level initiatives with Kennedy. Kennedy then talked about current 16th Air Force efforts in converging capabilities to generate information warfare outcomes to address top Air Force priorities. Kennedy also gave Kendall insight into Air Force Technical Applications Center's unique capabilities and contributions.

Kendall finished his afternoon with the 91st Cyberspace Operations Squadron. The 91st COS leaders ran Kendall through a hands-on event where he experienced being an operator in a simulated environment, exposing Kendall to real-world cyber operations of today and tomorrow. Once he successfully completed the simulation, Kendall rang the bell in a ceremony similar to the finishing ceremony when an operator gets certified in a new role.

“The bell ringing is a tradition that we do whenever an individual certifies on our operational platform,” Chief Master Sgt. Craig W. Gehron, 91st COS senior enlisted leader said. “As we have a number of operational crew roles, we hold bell ringing ceremonies for each member and each time they certify in a new crew role.  It's a great way for the entire unit to recognize the hard work and significant achievement each member puts into getting certified, which consists of rigorous training and evaluation into each role.”

Before completing his visit, Kendall presided over the graduation of the Air Force's Basic Military Training newest class of Airmen.