The Air Force announced Wednesday that Lackland AFB, Tex., will be the permanent headquarters location for 24th Air Force, the new numbered air force being established under Air Force Space Command to lead the service’s cyber operations. USAF identified Lackland as its preferred headquarters location in May, but by US law, could not make a final determination until it had concluded an analysis of the environmental impact. That analysis, said Kathleen Ferguson, the Air Force’s installation czar, “determined a finding of no significant impact.” Maj. Gen. Richard Webber will assume command of 24th AF later this month. “The standup of this NAF will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility dedicated to cyber operations,” he said.
Space Force acquisition leaders were already looking to see if they could shift some of their biggest programs to use commercial services or technology, but one of President Donald Trump's executive orders, signed April 9, that could super-charge that effort.