Cyber security is constant focus at Offutt Published Oct. 26, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Danielle Jinkens 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- October marks the annual observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month throughout the U.S. military and government, but cyber security is constant requirement and cannot be forgotten about or ignored when we turn the calendar to November. Here at Offutt, the 55th Strategic Communications Squadron maintains and operates the Defense Satellite Communication System work center all year long to ensure the country's highest priority communication needs are met. "[This system] is responsible for providing reliable, secure, survivable and jam resistant satellite communications and integrated tactical warning/attack assessment to the president, secretary of defense, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, Air Force Space Command, the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft and the 55th Wing," said Lt. Col. Bryan Eberhardt, 55th SCS commander. The satellite antenna system and ground station is managed, operated and maintained by 21 Department of Defense civilians who, have won the DoD Information System Agency's Global Information Grid Small Facility award for the last three years. The two satellite antennas, which from the outside look like giant golf balls of the Disney Epcot Center variety, and associated equipment require more than 4,200 preventative maintenance inspections each year, Eberhardt said. The antenna dishes themselves are also cleaned once a year. "Because the large antennas only move a few inches each day to maintain communication with their respective satellites, they are shut down once a year to be cleaned and rotated through their full 340 degree capability," he added. "Technicians climb 71 steps, or 100 feet, to the top of the antenna, place it horizontally and proceed to ensure it is in the best working order." In an atmosphere where it is often considered normal and even expected to share the intimate details of our everyday lives through various electronic means, the 55th SCS keeps the communications of the most valuable members of our government and military missions secure and confidential. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the most serious economic and national security challenges we face are cyber threats. America's economic prosperity and competitiveness in the 21st Century depends on effective cyber security. Every Internet user has a role to play in securing cyberspace and ensuring the safety of themselves and their families online. For more information on what you can do to maintain personal and work center cyber security, visit the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team's list of tips here.