One force, one network: the AFNet migration Published Sept. 7, 2012 48th Communications Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 48th Fighter Wing will soon become the first U.K. base and the second U.S. Air Forces in Europe base to migrate its computer users to a central Air Force Network. Over a period of 22 days, from Oct. 15, 2012 to Nov. 5, 2012, cyber technicians will begin migrating RAF Lakenheath workstations, network users and email into the new AFNet. "The goal of this project is to collapse all individual or stand-alone Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard networks into the AFNet," said Master Sgt. Thomas Exline, 48th Communications Squadron Section Chief Cyber Systems Operations. "To the majority of RAF Lakenheath computer users, most of the changes will be transparent and should not cause any interruption to network access or normal day-to-day operations, but for the Air Force, this migration represents a major change to how computer networks are managed." The most visible change will be in the format of the email address. The migration replaces the old first.last@lakenheath.af.mil e-mail address with a standard first.last@us.af.mil address. The new addresses will remain with users for the duration of their career, employment or affiliation with the Air Force, regardless of the base or organization to which they're assigned. Until now, major commands and various other Air Force organizations have been operating their own independent networks, consequently driving unique and unit-specific requirements. Over the years, this approach led to standardization and security problems, high operation and maintenance costs, and a lack of enterprise situational awareness. This approach was necessary in the beginning where requirements and capabilities were in their early stages. "Continuing to build and operate the network in those silos today would be akin to asking commands to procure and operate aircraft independent of one another. You lose the economies of scale found by integrating requirements to have the same weapons platforms adjusted slightly to fit specific needs, vice building and operating something new altogether," said Major Josh Rockhill, 48th Communications Squadron Commander. In short, the network needed to be consolidated under one command or organization. "The AFNet migration project addresses these issues and places Air Force cyber operations under the operational control of a single commander," said Exline. "This approach will yield a significant improvement in the Air Force's ability to fight daily virus activity and malicious intrusion attempts. Additionally, AFNet migrations will centralize services like email and data storage significantly improving network security and standardization. Finally, operational and training costs will be reduced through the elimination of redundant systems and services." As more bases join the AFNet, Airmen will be able to log in to their accounts from any AFNet base without requesting and creating an additional account. This will allow easy access to the network during deployments and throughout temporary duty and permanent change of station moves. Sites such as the Air Force Portal, Air Force Personnel Center and Defense Finance Accounting Service will also remain easily accessible regardless of duty location. As RAF Lakenheath approaches its projected start date, technicians from Air Force Network Integration Center, 690th Network Support Group, 83rd Network Operations Squadron Detachment 4, and 48th CS will be busy preparing equipment and resources to facilitate the migration. To ensure a smooth transition to the AFNet, look for future 48 CS-generated advisories for additional migration-related information. For any questions or additional information, contact the 48th CS Communications Focal Point at 226-3883, or email 48commfocalpoint@lakenheath.af.mil. Information provided by 48th CS Master Sgt. Thomas Exline.