Restored ... Combat Comms keep networks at 'go'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Some civilians take computers and internet access for granted; and many Airmen are no exception. Flip the switch, the light comes on ... it ain't rocket science.

Or is it?

Computer network infrastructures consist of complex and interdependent machines reaching to every corner of base and beyond.

A "simple" migration, like the Air Force Network migration accomplished across Mountain Home Air Force Base the past few weeks, can sometimes leave Airmen without a vital resource, their network.

When switch malfunctions occurred during the June 2013 AFNet Migration on base, entire buildings were left without network access, but the 366th Communications Squadron combat communicators charged into action, tackling problem after problem, restoring network access.

"We surged with every technician available out at work centers, restoring networks," said Staff Sgt. Adam Spencer, 366th CS technician. "We know how important the network is to operations, maintenance and support functions on this base and are committed to keeping all work centers fully mission capable."

Though doing so cost the combat communicators long overtime hours and meant giving up their involvement in other wing training scenarios, the end results justified the sacrifice, said Master Sgt. Christy Funk, 366th CS chief of Client Support Section.

"As cyber operations evolve, the Air Force Network Integration Center will consolidate all bases and users into one network," said Funk. "When the migration is complete, Airmen will have a single account, which will always be active and accessible at any Air Force location worldwide by using their common access card. This will simplify permanent changes of station, temporary duties away from home station and deployments."