Speaker Mike Johnson visited the Cyber Innovation
Center (CIC) Dec. 22 to receive a demonstration of how its partnership with Air Force
Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is impacting global deterrence and enhancing
mission effectiveness.
Through STRIKEWERX, the innovation hub for AFGSC, the CIC has helped the U.S.
Air Force save hundreds of millions of dollars and deliver cutting-edge technology
prototypes that directly support the warfighter.
“The CIC and STRIKEWERX leverage space, talent, and resources to foster
collaboration between industry and government, driving innovation that solves the
toughest challenges faced by the backbone of the Air Force and the joint force,” said
Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “Since 2017, our partnership with the AFGSC Office of the
Chief Scientist has generated more than $300 million in savings.”
During the visit, Speaker Johnson received an in-depth demonstration from HIVE, an
advanced modeling and simulation capability supported by CIC and STRIKEWERX.
HIVE integrates people, data, and advanced analytics to give leaders real-time insight
into complex missions.
Speaker Johnson observed how HIVE’s wargaming software tests new concepts,
evaluates trade-offs, and delivers actionable insights, informing smarter acquisition and
faster fielding decisions.
“It is exciting to see the critical work the CIC is doing to support the U.S. Air Force, all
from my district in Bossier City. Throughout my time in Congress – and during my
tenure on the House Armed Services Committee – I have been a strong advocate for
the Louisiana defense community and the many active-duty soldiers and their families
serving in our great state,” Speaker Johnson said. “The CIC has truly been a force
multiplier for America’s national defense, and I am grateful for their work alongside Air
Force Global Strike Command to develop innovative new technologies that enhance our
national defense and promote global stability.”
The CIC provides the collaborative environment necessary to unite the Department of
War (DoW), subject matter experts, and industry leaders in delivering these modeling
and simulation-based results. Efforts are underway at the federal level to transition the
HIVE into a standalone capability.
The demonstration was hosted by AFGSC staff, who earlier received a briefing on CIC
and STRIKEWERX operations and their impact on the command’s 36,000 Airmen
supporting two legs of the nation’s nuclear triad.
“CIC and STRIKEWERX will continue to advance the nuclear mission through data and
software initiatives like HIVE, as well as by transitioning innovative prototypes into the
command,” said Russ Mathers, director of STRIKEWERX. “AFGSC’s long-range
nuclear and conventional strike capabilities form the foundation of every DoW operation,
and we’re committed to ensuring they remain ‘Always Ready.’”
Following the demonstration, Speaker Johnson met with representatives of Barksdale
Forward, Bossier Parish, and the City of Bossier City to further reiterate his commitment
to Barksdale Air Force Base.