EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 96th Cyberspace Test Group and its new commander, Col. Bryan Choi, made history as the Air Force’s first group of its kind during a ceremony here Dec. 4.
The group serves as the lead organization for developmental testing of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; cybersecurity operations; and electronic warfare.
“While the group may be new, we are doing the same types of things we’ve always done, and done well,” said Choi. “We’ve established a more robust foundation to address current and future cyber and information dominance challenges.”
The 96th CTG formed from the 46th Test Squadron here and other test units at six separate geographic locations throughout the U.S. It will also include three subordinate squadrons: the 45th Test Squadron, 46th Test Squadron and the 47th Cyberspace Test Squadron.
“The legacy 46th Test Squadron did a remarkable job staying ahead of the curve and embracing new test tools and technology,” said Choi. “I intend to build on that tradition to support our integrated test enterprise to deliver and support agile war-winning capabilities.”
Choi added those capabilities would result from being prepared to execute industry-standard agile software development, building out fifth-generation datalink and avionics cyber range infrastructures, and improving cyber security and resiliency test and evaluation processes.
“To do this, we rely on the expertise and experience of our technically diverse workforce of active duty and reserve military, civilians and contractors to execute countless test events across every warfighting domain – air, land, sea, space and cyberspace,” said the 23-year Airman.
According to Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing commander, Choi was selected for his extensive experience in acquisition, intelligence and test within the military community. The Princeton University graduate served as a test engineer and director, intelligence analyst, flight commander, and operations officer, to name a few.
Choi didn’t have to go far to assume his new duties as a group commander. The 96th TW is also familiar ground to him as he was the 780th Test Squadron commander under the 96th Operations Group from 2011-2013.
“I am honored and humbled to take command of the 96th CTG,” said Choi. “I stand ready to tackle today’s cyberspace test challenges and look forward to once again serving with the men and women of the Test Wing.
The group’s new unit, the 45th TS stood up at a ceremony here Dec. 5, and the other, 47th CTS, will officially become a squadron during a ceremony next week at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, as a geographically separated unit.
“We have a unique opportunity to shape our organizational culture and streamline how we do business,” said Choi. “Standing up this group should help us better accomplish the mission and care for our people and I am committed to making that happen.”