Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Dang, 163d Communications Flight, California Air...... read more read more
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — In the dynamic cyber age, the 163rd Attack Wing is equipping Airmen with skills and knowledge to adapt to emerging cyber threats. This cultivation of resilience and readiness encompasses technical proficiency, strategic thinking and proactive defense against evolving digital challenges.
The 163rd communications flight prepared for the California National Guard’s Exercise Cyber Dawn in June by engaging in digital disaster scenarios through “Nyx” Cyber Defense engagement. The team responded to a complex threat that mimicked real-world tactics used by adversaries, including malicious email attachments, data exfiltration tools and attempts to gain elevated system access.
Using the Wing’s new cyber defense training facility, communications Airmen, as well as a member from the California State Guard, tested their knowledge by executing a hands-on cybersecurity exercise through a third-party training platform, simulating a realistic phishing attack.
“In today’s contested and congested cyber domain, we can’t afford to wait for perfect conditions or top-down directives,” said Capt. Shawn Ripley, director of operations for the 163rd communications flight. “Recognizing the critical need for every Airman in cyber to be fluent in defense operations, our unit took the initiative to stand up a Cyber Defense Training Facility, built from the ground up with what we had on hand. No extra funding. No surge in manpower - just a team of committed professionals who understand that mission readiness begins with technical proficiency. This facility is more than just a lab, it’s a statement that we’re leaning forward to train for the fight now, not waiting for it to arrive.”
During the exercise, team members identified the threat, isolated the affected system, blocked malicious files and network traffic, and applied security protocols to prevent further compromise. The training improved the team's ability to detect, disrupt and defend against cyber threats, while also reinforcing communication, teamwork and critical decision-making under pressure.
“We aren't formally trained to defend networks” said Master Sgt. Andrew Lower, 163rd cyber security superintendent. "These exercises prepare us for real cyber warfare. It’s not about winning; it’s about learning how our adversaries traverse the cyber realm and what real breaches look like. We have to be right 100% of the time; our enemy only needs one success to compromise our IT, and then we neutralize them with extreme prejudice."
These exercises stem from preparations for Exercise Cyber Dawn, aimed at fortifying national, state and local cybersecurity. Cyber Dawn is hosted by the California National Guard in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Cybersecurity Integration Center and other critical infrastructure partners.
The 163rd Attack Wing's dedication to the Ready Force is a strategic imperative, achieved through a sustained commitment to comprehensive training, cohesive team building and focused professional development. Exercises such as this underscore the unit's commitment to homeland defense.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2025 15:08 |
| Story ID: | 498610 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 206 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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