Shipyard prison considered for cyber command

[unhappycamper]

Shipyard prison considered for cyber command
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday May 3, 2008 13:44:01 EDT

KITTERY, Maine — At the same time as the Navy is exploring private development of the former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard prison, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is pushing to bring the Air Force’s Cyber Command to the long-neglected castle-like structure.

Navy officials have asked private developers to submit proposals in the next two months with a goal of signing a contract in the spring of 2009. But if the Air Force were to choose the shipyard for its planned cyber command center, a government-to-government transfer essentially would trump outside uses, Shea-Porter’s staff said.

Ryan McKeon, Shea-Porter’s military legislative assistant, said the congresswoman does not want to be an impediment to the private development efforts but thinks the prison would be an ideal choice for the Cyber Command center.

“It’s a win-win project,” Shea-Porter, D-N.H., said Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for the government and for Portsmouth.”

The Air Force is planning to establish a Cyber Command by October to protect the military and federal government from cyber-based hackers or spies. As it gathers a list of possible sites, officials met with McKeon and other staffers from Shea-Porter’s office on Friday to begin formal talks.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/ap_shipyard_050308/