Congressmen Jim Saxton (NJ-3rd) and Chris Smith (NJ-4th) today expressed support for the proposed Air Force command to be charged with protecting the Air Force against cyber attack, and suggested McGuire Air Force Base would be an ideal location. 

    “This new cyber command is a good fit for New Jersey and a good fit for McGuire,” said Saxton, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee who founded its Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee in 2003. “I have found that the key to keeping bases open is not only performing existing missions well and modernizing infrastructure, but also being willing to take on new missions that adapt to future threats. The age of cyber warfare is here, and the threat is growing. The leadership at McGuire is aware of the new threats we face and I believe they are up to meeting the new challenges.” 

    Over a dozen sites are being considered for the new command. The Air Force is expected to choose a location in late 2008 or in 2009. The command could yield 500-700 local jobs. 

    Saxton and Smith represent nearly all of the Ocean County and Burlington County area, and Smith also represents a large portion of Mercer and Monmouth Counties. Their districts are home to many Department of Defense personnel who work at Fort Monmouth, which is slated to close. 

    “Fort Dix, McGuire and Lakehurst have proven time and again to be critical assets to our national security and Jim and I will continue to work to help expand their missions,” Smith said. “The Joint Base is a perfect facility to locate and grow the Air Force’s new command. Central New Jersey is home to a highly-motivated, skilled workforce as well as innovative technology companies ready to partner with the Air Force and combat the threats of cyber warfare. We encourage the Air Force to utilize these assets by locating AF CYBER at McGuire. Our nation will be well served by expanding this mission here in New Jersey.” 

    McGuire, a base of about 3,700 acres in Burlington County, will be the managing authority of the coming Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Dix, an Army Reserve post adjoining McGuire, is over 50 square miles, and the adjacent Navy base Lakehurst is over 7,000 acres. The bases have good transportation routes, and yet are buffed by preserved pinelands and farmlands. All three have established large, secured areas since Sept. 11, 2001, and security has been enhanced further after the failed Fort Dix terrorist plot last year.