Forging STRATCOM's future

Our brave military men and women stationed in far-flung corners of the world stand guard around the clock, protecting us from attacks on our American way of life. They are vigilant sentries, prepared to combat threats that are both visible and unknown to the rest of us. And an important part of their mission is coordinated right here in Nebraska.

U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), a joint command center at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Neb., is charged with detecting and deterring threats to the United States and coordinating responses with all branches of the military. This is, no doubt, an important task--especially as the nature of threats evolves with new technology and an ever-changing global landscape. Nebraskans and all Americans can be very proud of the work these men and women do each and every day to keep us safe.

Staying ahead of emerging threats not only warrants ongoing training, but it also requires more sophisticated capabilities. A lot has changed since 1957, when STRATCOM's current headquarters was built, and construction of new and improved facilities is underway. The new command and control center will ensure that STRATCOM remains at the cutting edge of defense technology well into the future.

I was back on site last week to get an up-close view of the project's progress, and much has been accomplished since ground was first broken in the fall of 2012. Teams of skilled Air National Guard and active duty personnel are joining construction contractors, allowing the project to continue around the clock and trimming the project's timeline by nearly half. It also saves millions of dollars in security costs, as these military personnel hold necessary clearances and do not require security escorts. STRATCOM is also incorporating updated, cost-efficient virtual technology systems that will require less maintenance than the current physical systems. STRATCOM estimates that all of the measures being incorporated in the project could translate into tens of millions in tax dollar savings.

STRATCOM's updated command and control center is an investment in the present and future security of America, and I am pleased to see the responsible use of taxpayer dollars throughout construction. One of the stated purposes for the new facility is to lower the cost of ownership and maintenance while upholding the second-to-none threat detection and deterrence capabilities that are at the heart of STRATCOM's mission.

Overseeing STRATCOM's important mission and the progress of its new facilities is Adm. Cecil Haney. Haney took the helm last August, after serving as STRATCOM's deputy commander. I spoke with Haney this week, and there is no doubt in my mind that both the construction project and STRATCOM's mission are in very capable hands.

Construction will continue over the next few years, and it is important that this project stays on track. STRATCOM's mission is as important as ever, I will continue to do my part, and I am proud of all the work they and every member of our military do each day to keep us safe and uphold a bold reputation of a military that is the envy of the world.