JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 673d Air Base Wing commander and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lee Mills, 673d ABW command chief, participated in the 673d Communications Squadron immersion tour at JBER, Alaska, March 19, 2021.
Aguilar’s tour focused on getting to know 673d CS Airmen and familiarize herself with the squadron’s different sections and their individual roles in supporting the installation’s readiness.
Aguilar toured different buildings across the installation, one of which was the Cyber Control Operations section (CCO).
“CCO is a developing rapid response solution, enabling fighter aircraft operations in the Pacific theater,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Desmond Medina, a 673d CS cyber control operator. “As cyber control operators we innovate, expand and deploy communications and command and control solutions based on Pacific Command operational command requirements for our joint mission partners in response to disasters and to avert crisis.”
Another section highlighted during the tour was the Mission Defense Team or MDT.
"The Mission Defense Team provides leading-edge, network defense capabilities for the 673d ABW and its various operational missions," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Kolasch, a 673 CS MDT operator. "We provide surveillance, detection, and protection to our mission partners’ networks. By hunting for threats and implementing vulnerability assessments for our mission partners, we can provide a direct and meaningful impact toward safeguarding cyber mission assurance."
Kolasch went on to mention how MDT helps support JBER's mission.
"Through collaborative efforts from our intelligence partners and analysis experts, we are able to find, track, and examine various cyber threats that could hinder, prevent, or otherwise thwart mission success on our mission partners’ key cyber terrain," he said.
As an Airman in the 673d CS, Kolasch shared his experience on how it feels to be part of the squadron.
“For me, MDT has been very rewarding,” said Kolasch. “Being able to work with a great team of highly skilled wingmen every day is electrifying. Together, we are able to combine our experience, knowledge, and skills, to witness a direct impact on our mission. It’s extremely motivating to have engaging leadership support our efforts as we transition from our traditional roles and into the future role of weapon system operators.”
After dedicating a whole day with the 673d CS Airmen, their different sections, and how they help keep the mission running, Aguilar parted ways thankful and acknowledging the importance of the squadron’s mission and how it supports JBER’s mission.