Sheppard Airmen make grade during inspection

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Larry Fletcher
  • 82nd Communications Squadron commander
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Sheppard earned an "excellent" rating in the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection Jan. 6-10.

The CCRI inspection took a look at Sheppard's network defense, information assurance and physical security practices to determine if any deficiencies or vulnerabilities exist in the networks. The CCRI team graded the quality of the communications infrastructure and ensured systems are in place by conducting proactive performance evaluations and assistance visits.

The 82nd Communications Squadron received indispensable support from the Air Education and Training Command A6 Communications Directorate, and the 24th Air Force's 561st Network Operations Squadron, Detachment 2.

Although the 82nd CS was at the center of the inspection, the Defense Information Systems Agency inspected people and processes across both the 82nd Training Wing and the 80th Flying Training Wing. Many of the greatest successes occurred when inspectors reviewed the cyber security processes resident in the 82nd Medical Group and the 80th Operations Support Squadron. Another great success was in the area of traditional security. Here the 365th and 363rd Training Squadrons' physical security programs shined brightly.

Team Sheppard experienced its greatest challenges in the area of automated information systems in which security configurations are dictated by external program offices. Like many Department of Defense installations, Sheppard will have to work hand in hand with higher headquarters to highlight gaps in program office procedures and DoD cyber security requirements.

Sheppard AFB's strongest performance was with the men and women of the 82nd CS network infrastructure element and network operations element. The CCRI team found no Category I findings in Sheppard AFB's network infrastructure. Concurrently, the net ops element--working in a strong team relationship with the 561st NOS Det. 2--secured the 8,600 workstations and servers on Sheppard AFB's network so well DISA assessed them as generating only minor concerns. To achieve an assessment of no concern absolutely no known deficiencies may exist on these systems.

In fact, the 82nd CS's net ops element did so well, the 82nd CS named James Nix, the element's chief, as the inspection's most valuable player. Congratulations Team Sheppard!