374th AW receives "Outstanding" rating during Command Cyber Readiness Inspection

  • Published
  • By 374th Communications Squadron
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota received two "outstanding" ratings during their Command Cyber Readiness Inspection held April 30 - May 4.

Yokota had the best overall CCRI performance in the Air Force since the new grading criteria was implemented.

"These inspection results validate our culture of compliance and give our nation confidence that Team Yokota is delivering excellence as we serve," said Col. Bill Knight, 374th Airlift Wing commander.

The CCRI is a thorough review of a Department of Defense supporting location's cyber posture. The inspection is conducted by Defense Information Systems Agency under the direction and authority of U.S. Cyber Command.

The CCRI evaluates compliance with DoD security orders and directives, network vulnerabilities, physical and traditional security, and user education and awareness.

The CCRI is the DoD's ultimate cyber test. Failure results in serious consequences, including possible disconnection from the Global Information Grid.

"This was truly a team effort," said Lt. Col. Rocky Favorito, 374th CS commander.

"Although, the 374th CS was largely responsible for the wing's success, every user on our unclassified and classified networks contributes to our collective cyber culture and overall cyber security posture. A threat accepted by one, is a threat shared by all."

Team Yokota's cyberspace warriors worked extremely hard over the last 18 months, eliminating thousands of vulnerabilities. The two CCRI "outstanding" ratings validated the fruits of their labors.

"I couldn't be prouder of our base or our communication squadron that led the way for this inspection," said Knight.

"Since our network infrastructure had not been refreshed since 2001, we faced a challenge of monumental proportions," Favorito said. "The 374th CS not only cleaned up 11 years of security vulnerabilities and compliance issues, we also improved network performance and the overall end user experience."

In addition to the recent success with the CCRI, the 374th CS has been recognized as having the highest Information Assurance Assessment rating in the Air Force for 2012 and the highest rating ever in Pacific Air Forces.

They were also the recipients of the 2011 Major General McClelland Award for the Best Large Cyberspace Squadron in the United States Air Force.

Favorito also earned the 2012 Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association District of Columbia Leadership Award winner, Air Force Officer Category.