Helping people behind the screen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Tobler
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force network is one of Keesler’s greatest assets, it enables seamless movement of information behind a virtually unbreakable firewall.

The 81st Communication Squadron’s priority is to enable the 81st Training Wing’s mission by maintaining the firewall with network management, server administration and network information assurance.

“We service roughly 10,000 people on Keesler,” said Michael Carradine, 81st CS chief of cyber service center. “We’re the ones that make sure everyone’s information technology assets are working and connected to the Air Force network.”

The Airmen of the 81st CS provide wing-wide technical support, ensuring items such as ground radios, voice networks, and airfield systems are maintained.

“We work on everything from a user’s computer software to the cable wall,” said Senior Airman Logan Skinner, 81st CS client systems technician. “We protect Keesler from behind the scenes, we’re constantly scanning for potential threats, performing security updates, and making sure Keesler personnel can work without fear of being breached.”

Skinner said it feels rewarding to be able to provide support to the base population.

“It’s not always cut and dry,” said Skinner. “Every day brings new problems but it feels good to be able to help my wingmen get the mission done.”