DAF assesses 48th Fighter Wing IT infrastructure, warfighter needs Published June 4, 2025 By Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Department of the Air Force Deputy Chief Information Officer, Jennifer Orozco, visited the Liberty Wing on May 2, during a recent trip to U.S. European Command to conduct an on the ground assessment of critical information technology infrastructure essential to warfighting readiness. Jennifer Orozco, Department of the Air Force deputy chief information officer, left, walks with U.S. Air Force Col. Jack Arthaud, 48th Fighter Wing commander, during her visit at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 2, 2025. Orozco’s visit focused on assessing the readiness of critical IT infrastructure and identifying key technological requirements for warfighters in the European theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res During her tour, Orozco conducted key leader engagements with senior leaders, including representatives from U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, 603rd Air Operations Center, U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa and the Royal Air Force. Orozco’s visit comes at a crucial time, as the DAF seeks to modernize its systems to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global security environment. According to the DAF, approximately 89% of IT equipment across Air and Space Force installations is at or nearing its end-of-life or end-of-support cycle, the need for strategic investment in modernization is paramount. “Each installation across the European theater has unique needs driven by mission requirements, but I was especially impressed by RAF Lakenheath’s leadership team,” said Orozco. “Their ability to proactively advocate for and strategically invest in critical IT infrastructure demonstrates a strong commitment to modernization. A solid support foundation like this makes locations such as RAF Lakenheath a prime candidate for cutting-edge upgrades and future innovation.” Beyond higher-level discussions, Orozco prioritized engaging directly with warfighters at the tactical edge. The meetings focused on providing insight to how the DAF can support the 48th Communication Squadron by rapidly developing strategies and policies that deliver enhanced capabilities to the unit and improve lethality. “Orozco’s visit highlighted the innovative efforts of Liberty Airmen in advancing maintenance data capabilities critical to the Air Force’s fifth-generation fighter operations,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Moore, 48th CS director of operations. “Her tour also emphasized the importance of aligning federal and DoD cybersecurity policies, ensuring continued clarity and effectiveness in support of our warfighting initiatives.” Jennifer Orozco, Department of the Air Force deputy chief information officer, receives a briefing from U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Stephan Sigman, 48th Communication Squadron cyber operations technician, on the use of an Airbus 1200 at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 2, 2025. The Airbus 1200 satellite is essential to maintain communication and network capabilities in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Renee Nicole S.N. Finona) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Orozco also explored ongoing artificial intelligence enabled projects, examining their potential applications across the DAF to support both Air and Space Forces. This assessment will contribute to a broader understanding of how AI can be leveraged to enhance operational effectiveness. “Advancing our infrastructure allows us to be more agile, more secure and ultimately more effective in executing our mission,” said U.S. Air Force Colonel Glenn Cameron, 48th Mission Support Group commander. “It’s not just about new equipment, it’s about empowering our Airmen with tools they need to make faster, smarter decisions.” Orozco’s visit to the Liberty Wing emphasized the DAF’s commitment to modernizing its IT infrastructure and ensuring warfighters have the cutting-edge technology they need to maintain a decisive advantage in the increasingly complex global security landscape. Her findings will play a critical role in shaping future investments and ensuring the DAF’s IT infrastructure is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow, in support of the Department of Defense’s priorities of increasing lethality and warfighting readiness.