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JBSA-Lackland’s 'One Base, One Network': A key milestone in connectivity and cybersecurity

  • Published
  • By Jonathan Cotto
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland marks a transformation in its information technology infrastructure with the “One Base, One Network” initiative that integrates the Texas Air National Guard 149th Fighter Wing into the Department of the Air Force enterprise network on JBSA-Lackland.

This initiative aims to consolidate multiple networks under a single, secure and efficient platform that enhances cybersecurity, improves mission effectiveness and streamlines operations for all mission partners.

The 149th FW is critical to training USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots capable of engaging national threats anywhere in the world and citizen airmen responsive to civil emergencies and homeland defense. Integration into “One Base, One Network” directly enhances their ability to focus on these mission sets, particularly in the cyber domain.

“The completion of the ‘One Base, One Network’ initiative yielded significant telecommunication services enhancement and bolstered network security,” said Lt. Col. Viet Nguyen, 149th Communications Squadron commander.

“These advancements empowered the 149th Communications Squadron to prioritize their core mission of defending the 149th Fighter Wing F-16 pilot training in the cyber terrain, even amidst a demanding operational tempo driven by domestic operations,” Nguyen said. “This included crucial support for initiatives such as responding to the ransomware attack across Texas or guarding the border in support of ‘Operation Lone Star.’”

Witnessing the final stages of “One Base, One Network” has been a powerful moment for Lt. Col. Gilberto S. Perez, 502d Communications Squadron Commander.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team, who turned this vision into reality,” Perez said. “For the first time, our co-located Air National Guard mission partners are digitally aligned with the Air Force enterprise, accessing core IT services, operating under standardized cybersecurity protocols, and modernizing with unity of effort. This isn’t just a network consolidation; it’s a breakthrough to mission readiness and lethality.”

Before “One Base, One Network,” different components of JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph operated under separate networks. This segregation created inefficiencies, access challenges and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Integrating the network benefits cybersecurity and overall war-fighting capabilities, Perez explained.

“Now, we’re unlocking operational agility. Instead of defending fragmented infrastructures, we understand and defend our full cyber terrain to enable mission partners to focus on mission-critical priorities” Perez added. “That’s the future of base-level IT: unified, interoperable, resilient and aligned with an enterprise security vision.”

However, implementing such a significant change was not without challenges. Upgrading aging network infrastructure was one of the biggest hurdles to ensure smooth integration.

“We had to make sure we weren’t investing in a network that was going away,” Perez noted. “Necessary upgrades were prioritized to support the consolidation before we absorbed the network.”

For Lt. Col. Justin Kulm, the 502d Communications Squadron Director of Operations, the success of “One Base, One Network” was driven by a Total Force collaboration.

“One of the most valuable aspects of this initiative is how we leveraged the expertise across active duty, the Reserve and the Guard particularly from those with commercial-sector experience in cybersecurity” Kulm said.

Kulm emphasized that consolidating the networks allows for greater oversight and security.

“When you have separate networks at the same operating location, managing them can be difficult. By combining resources, we now have a unified cybersecurity strategy across JBSA – enhancing our ability to detect and respond to threats.”

This initiative also improves joint-base coordination.

“‘One Base, One Network’ ensures a more holistic view of cybersecurity,” said Brig Gen Randy Oakland, Joint Base San Antionio Commander.

Oakland added, “We never fight alone, and this is one major step in the right direction to modernize and reenforce our ability to be mission ready.”

Transitioning 149th FW to “One Base, One Network” required careful planning and cross collaboration. Master Sgt. Jessica Dunahoo, 502d CS flight chief for plans and resources, was key in coordinating between leadership and project teams.

“A major part of my role has been ensuring project managers are ready for critical decision points and equipping leadership with the right data to make informed choices,” Dunahoo said.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for “One Base, One Network” and Senior System Administrator Reid Pratka detailed how the new infrastructure enhances security.

“JBSA is a certified data center, meaning all new systems are tested for vulnerabilities before they are allowed onto the network,” Pratka said. “Every new addition undergoes a 72-hour vulnerability scan and deficiencies must be corrected before access is granted.”

Network redundancy is also a key benefit. State-of-the-art power supplies and backup generators ensure the network remains operational even during power outages.

“We conduct monthly tests on our power systems to ensure mission-critical operations continue, even in emergencies,” Pratka added.

Before JBSA could formally accept the new network, rigorous inspections were conducted to ensure everything met Department of Defense standards.

Alan Fontaine, 502d CS policy and evaluations expert, explained:

“Our role was to inspect the 20 plus communication rooms to verify that everything—from grounding and bonding to cable management—met standards before the 502d Communications Squadron took ownership.”

This quality control ensures that future maintenance and upgrades are streamlined to prevent unexpected issues down the road.

Fontaine said, “This project is about long-term sustainability, not just immediate integration.”

JBSA is now in the final stage of the project to migrate geographically separated units such as Yankee Range in Tilden, Texas, Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, and potentially Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

According to Project Manager Raymond Galindo, this project has been a long time coming.

“This initiative started in early 2000s and thanks to leadership support and collaboration across JBSA we’re now nearing completion,” he said.

Galindo described “One Base, One Network” as a game-changer for the installation.

“Now, when someone comes to JBSA, regardless of their Air Force component, they’ll have the same user experience, cybersecurity protections and quality of service,” he said.

Nguyen added that the successful integration to “One Base, One Network” did not just streamline operations it empowered the users.

“It gives our Airmen the confidence that their infrastructure could support them no matter the mission,” Nguyen said. “We’re talking about the next generation of fighter pilots and protecting critical cyber terrain at the same time. ‘One Base, One Network’ makes that dual focus possible.”