Cyber Squadron Awarded to Michigan Air National Guard in Battle Creek

Following Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Signed by Entire Michigan Delegation, 110th Attack Wing Earns One of Four New Units

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) celebrated the announcement that the Michigan Air National Guard’s 110thAttack Wing, stationed in Battle Creek, will be host of a new Cyber Operation Squadron distinction.

“Given the dependence of our country’s military, infrastructure, and economy on computers and the Internet, this new cyber squadron puts Michigan at the forefront in protecting our nation,” said Stabenow. “Earlier this year, Congressman Upton and I led our colleagues on a tour of Michigan’s military installations – including Battle Creek Air National Guard Base – to see firsthand the important role Michigan plays in our nation’s defense. Today’s announcement is a credit to the men and women in Battle Creek’s 110th Attack Wing and underscores our state’s leadership and expertise in cyber security.”

“We’re so proud of the effort put forth by our men and women in the Michigan Air National Guard to get the prestigious assignment,” said Upton. “Cyber security threats are one of the greatest national security threats we face today and our future depends on reliable cyberspace for everything from infrastructure, commerce, communications, and government. The 110th Attack Wing has demonstrated incredible skill and the team at Battle Creek, and the Michigan Air National Guard, is to be commended for the work they have done in proving their capability in the defense of our nation’s cyber security.”

“We must remain vigilant against the evolving national security threat posed by cyber attacks on our military assets, civilian infrastructure and financial sector,” said Peters. “I was proud to join with the Michigan Congressional Delegation to advocate for a Cyber Squadron in Battle Creek, and today’s announcement is a true recognition of the skill and accomplishments of the 110th Attack Wing and its critical role in bolstering American military cyber defense capabilities.”

A Cyber Operations Squadron is a 70-person dual-use squadron which conducts a multitude of cyber domain operations in support of the overall Air Force Cyber Mission Force. The 110th Attack Wing is already home to a pilot program that has trained technicians and has much of the infrastructure required to take on this new mission.

In April, Upton and Stabenow led a bipartisan, bicameral letter, urging top officials at the U.S. Department of Defense to select the 110th Attack Wing in Battle Creek to host a cyber squadron. The letter was signed by the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation: Senator Peters, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Sander Levin, Rep. Candice Miller, Rep. Tim Walberg, Rep. Justin Amash, Rep. Dan Benishek, Rep. Bill Huizenga, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Mike Bishop, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Rep. John Moolenaar, and Rep. David Trott.