DISA, JTF-GNO prepare for Croom

Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles Croom will replace Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege as director of the Defense Information Systems Agency on July 8.

Officials at DISA and the Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) plan to hold a change-of-command ceremony that day, said Tim Madden, a JTF-GNO spokesman.

In March, the Defense Department nominated Croom to take over for the retiring Raduege as leader of DISA and JTF-GNO. In April, the Navy announced that Rear Adm. Elizabeth Hight will serve as deputy director of JTF-GNO and principal director of Global Information Grid operations at DISA.

Croom said he is excited and humbled about taking over the high-profile jobs. He declined comment on his plans for the two organizations until he receives Senate approval.

He currently serves as director of information, services and integration in the Air Force’s new Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer.

Madden also confirmed that JTF-GNO launched its new command center May 10. The facility, inside DISA's building in Arlington, Va., includes new hardware and software and an updated, secure information facility so workers can better operate, manage and defend the military’s computer networks.

JTF-GNO falls within the Strategic Command, which oversees the operation and protection of the military’s networks and information systems, including psychological operations and computer network attacks. The command also presides over the military’s nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and missile defense arsenals.