Landrieu, Vitter, Fleming Announce Cyber Innovation Center to be Temporary Headquarters of 8th Air Force

Landrieu, Vitter, Fleming Announce Cyber Innovation Center to be Temporary Headquarters of 8th Air Force

Lawmakers work with military officials, Congressional colleagues to expedite move to CIC.

WASHINGTON – United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) and David Vitter (R-La.) and U.S Congressman John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.) today announced Congressional approval of the Pentagon’s plan for the 8th Air Force to temporarily lease space at the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) for up to two years, while office space is renovated at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB). 

 “This move makes logistical sense for the 8th Air Force and fiscal sense for Northern Louisiana,” said Sen. Landrieu. “Rather than have the 8th Air Force’s personnel scattered in temporary facilities across Barksdale, they will all be in one building at the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC).  The community made a large investment in building the CIC, and this move allows that space to fulfill one of its chief purposes of supporting the mission needs of Barksdale Air Force Base.  That is why I made it a priority to work with both military officials and my colleagues in Congress to quickly move this lease through the approval process.”

“After months of working with the Defense Department, Air Force officials and other members of congress, I'm pleased that the Air Force has selected the state-of-the-art Cyber Innovation Center as the base of operations for the 8th Air Force,” said Vitter.  “The Cyber Innovation Center plays an important role in the economy of Northwest Louisiana, and I am confident that the 8th Air Force will be very comfortable there while their permanent home is being renovated at Barksdale.”

“This agreement is the culmination of a lot of hard work, and a testament that great things can happen when a community like Bossier has the vision and foresight to invest in its future,” said Rep. Fleming.  “In today’s post-BRAC environment, these types of relationships, which further solidify the bonds between the Department of Defense and the community, are absolutely essential to ensuring the long-term viability of Barksdale as a premier Air Force installation.  I am delighted that Major General Carpenter and his leadership team at the Mighty Eighth will have a modern, secure facility to execute their important mission in support of Global Strike Command.”

The 8th Air Force vacated its previous headquarters building this summer, making room for the newly created Global Strike Command to begin their stand-up at Barksdale.  By consolidating all the 8th Air Force Headquarters personnel at the CIC, it eliminates the need for temporary, disparate office space throughout the base.  Additionally, it will enable the modification of facilities to begin and proceed more rapidly over the next several years.

The leasing agreement that has been worked out will fill up a large portion of the CIC, which cost the state and local communities of Louisiana $107 million to construct.  It will allow the 8th Air Force, and its important nuclear deterrence mission, to all be contained within one facility built to support BAFB.

John Fleming is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.  He is a member of the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.