HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Air Force Program Executive Office for Cyber and Networks’ Aerial Networks Division realigned under the Department of the Air Force PEO for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management here recently.
The branch that manages the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program did not transfer, and is now part of the PEO for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces.
Additionally, Col. Thomas Ward relinquished his position as the division’s senior materiel leader to Col. Alan Louie. The division’s mission is to deliver, sustain and support combat-effective, multi-domain communication capabilities, and addresses urgent operational needs through programs providing direct support to warfighters.
“Collectively, from an aerial networking standpoint, this team brings capability that is absolutely core to where we have to take the fight in the future,” said Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, C3BM’s program executive officer. “If we don't figure this part of it out, and if we don't keep pushing forward with the talent, the capabilities, and the skill sets that this team brings to bear, we aren't going to win the next one. We must get this part of it right.”
Cropsey thanked Ward for his role with the division and expressed enthusiasm for Louie taking the reins.
“Everything that you have poured into this team over the last few years has made it what it is today,” Cropsey said. “Louie, you bring an incredible wealth of experience and background I’m personally super excited to have you join the team under the C3BM banner.”
Jeremy Thiele, Cyber and Networks Directorate acting PEO, spoke on the division’s contributions and the importance of the realignment.
“The division consistently delivered critical communication capabilities directly impacting our war fighters,” Thiele said. “You've executed $900 million annually to ensure these capabilities are acquired, fielded and sustained.
“Maj. Gen. Cropsey, the division will turn over to you and your expert leadership,” Thiele said. “And although the division is a well executing organization, any change affords new opportunities for new innovative ways of thinking. I look forward to how your leadership inspires and grows the division beyond their current bounds.”
Ward remarked on his time at the helm of the organization and welcomed Louie to his new role.
“Thank you very much for all you've done,” Ward said. “Col. Louie is coming in, and he's got some good ideas on ways to go forward for your future. So expect him to be delivering product even quicker.”
Louie emphasized importance of the work the Airmen at the division are achieving.
“[Maj.] Gen. Cropsey, thank you so much for this opportunity to lead these fine men and women, and I look forward to working with you and your team and delivering the next generation for the DAF BATTLE NETWORK,” Louie said. “The men and women of the division develop, deliver, and sustain our ability to communicate, the foundational core of our DOD [Department of Defense] warfighting capabilities. Our ability to communicate enables our awareness, decision making, and action. I look forward to working with each of you to enable and advance this critical advantage.”
As an integrating PEO, C3BM is responsible for designing and delivering the DAF BATTLE NETWORK. The DAF BATTLE NETWORK is the integrated system of systems connecting sensor, effector, and logistics systems providing better situational awareness, faster decisions, and decisive direction. It is the DAF’s contribution to Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control.