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TFI Airmen push through network upgrades

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  As the advancement of technology continues to change our way of life, it is furthering the Air Force’s global reach, encompassing air, space and cyberspace. There are, however, adversaries who use these advancements to try to harm secured networks or steal information.

To combat these adversaries, the Air Force is increasing security platforms, servers and new elements Airmen can utilize to move forward and maintain an effective national security posture.

Cyber security specialists from the 92nd Communications Squadron and 141st CS are replacing and upgrading almost every piece of equipment at Fairchild to ensure computer networks maintain standards and functionality while also continuously searching for new ways to improve speed and security.

“Usually a base conducts upgrades in increments of 20 percent or only does them with the intent of maintaining the products they’re currently using,” said Master Sgt. Cory Green, 141st CS Communications Focal Point NCO in charge. “These upgrades are improving the runway for our network of over 5,000 users on base.”

The 92nd and 141st CSs have already implemented a full technology refresh by installing Windows 10 and replaced 9,791 old computer assets that were not compatible with the upgrade. They have also increased internet speed tenfold and implemented new device connection protocol, eliminating port security processes. Additionally, they have lowered the trouble ticket back log, replaced all network infrastructure equipment, reduced the average number of network outages and upgraded work cell phone applications.

“These upgrades help increase network speed,” Green said. “It might not seem like much, but when we shorten the waiting time, it increases productivity and mission effectiveness.”

The upgrades are still in the initial phases because as with all new upgrades, there are new tools, layouts and interfaces that have to be taught and learned to fix aspects that may fail or don’t comply with the network.

“Not everything goes as it should,” said Senior Airman Deandre White, 92nd CS network infrastructure technician. “When something bad happens, we all rush to fix it. It’s amazing to have our Air National Guard counterparts working with us and helping us with the work load.”

The 92nd CS has taken their TFI partnership with the 141st CS to the next level, making their squadron a one-stop shop by having no differences between an active or guard work center. This partnership provides increased interoperability between the two wings to further advance the common mission that they share.

“Traditionally, active duty Airmen and Guardsmen have two different mentalities, but here, they’re performing the same mission, increasing support and knowledge,” Green said. “We mix the desire active duty has for innovation and the desire guard has for long-term satisfaction, and we get the best blend of operational success.”