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Command Cyber Readiness Inspection highlights base success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lou Burton
  • 178th Public Affairs
The 178th Wing Communications Flight passed the week-long Command Cyber Readiness Inspection with an excellent score in Sept.

The communications flight participated along with the information protection office and security forces, explained Staff Sgt. Chris Khoma, information assurance manager.

Preparation began six months in advance to inspection team's arrival.

"Preparation entailed having proper documentation for all users' accounts, specialty functions for customers, waivers on file, and physical security in place," said Khoma.

Adding to the pressure of the inspection was the variable of the unfamiliar.

"There was an unknown factor, this being our first CCRI," said Chief Master Sgt. Bret Leasure, chief enlisted manager for the communications flight. "The Air National Guard has only completed 3 or 4 inspections thus far."

Part of the inspection included the team reviewing physical security by going to random offices and ensuring that CAC cards were removed from computers when people left their area, ensuring classified documents were covered or secured, and compact discs were properly labeled.

"This inspection covered more than the communications flight, it encompassed the entire base. I am very grateful for everyone who helped make this inspection a success," said Leasure.

Due to the differing requirements for individual bases and applicable inspection items, a perfect score would have been an 86 percent. The 178 scored an 84.7.

"This score is a reflection of the professional Airmen working on this base," said Khoma. "Our information technology experts take great care in maintaining our network, and by doing so we are able to support our mission."

The report provided by the inspectors outlines the success of the 178th Wing.

"The results for the 178th WG CCRI were positive, and the majority of all findings had been previously identified by the site for resolution. This can be tied to effective leadership involvement and staff professionalism, allowing the 178th WG to develop an effective information assurance culture," wrote the inspector team lead in their final report.