Air Force names leader of cyber unit

Air Force officials have named a commander to lead the 24th Air Force, a new unit focused on the service's cyber mission, officials announced today.

Maj. Gen. Richard Webber will assume command — which will likely be at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas — later this year.

This new organization will provide combat-ready forces trained and equipped to conduct cyber operations that are integrated with air and space operations, the service said.

Air Force officials announced May 15 that Lackland Air Force Base is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of 24th Air Force; however, the final basing decision will not be made until an environmental study is completed,the Air Force said.

Webber is now the assistant deputy chief for air, space and information operations at the service's Plans and Requirements headquarters in Washington, responsible for formulating policy that supports air, space, nuclear, counter-proliferation, homeland security, weather and cyber operations.  As the Air Force's operations deputy to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Webber determines operational requirements, capabilities and training necessary to support national security objectives and military strategy, the service said.

Webber is a command space and missile operator with qualifications in the Minuteman II, Minuteman III, Global Positioning Satellite and Counter Communications System weapon systems, the Air Force said .