97 CS networks with WOSC IT department Published June 14, 2023 By By Airman 1st Class Heidi Bucins 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- Airmen from the 97th Communications Squadron welcomed their honorary commander, Chrystal Overton, vice president of academic affairs at Western Oklahoma State College, and the WOSC information technology department for a tour of the squadron’s information technology facilities at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 12, 2023. The event gave WOSC personnel a chance to collaborate with the Airmen from the 97th CS to share best practices and brainstorm ideas on how to improve processes. The 97th CS serves as the communication center for Altus Air Force Base and includes 55 personnel in 11 career fields. The squadron is responsible for command, control, communications, and computer systems, operating and maintaining a $25 million network infrastructure and client support mission. WOSC’s IT department provides information, technology, support and training to faculty, staff and students for the college. “Today we were able to explain our base’s network infrastructure, its architecture, and how it is configured in order to support our mission," said Airman 1st Class Evin Hughes, 97th CS network infrastructure technician. The WOSC IT team visited several areas around the squadron that focused on how the Air Force is modernizing the use of digital age technology. During the tour, the team was able to use a computer simulator, which is used by 97th CS students during cyber security attack prevention training. “Today’s tour allowed us to showcase the support we provide for Altus AFB and the overall Air Force mission,” said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Payne, 97th CS network control center section chief. “It also provided a great opportunity for civic leaders and local organizations to collaborate on the future of our industry.” Airmen from the 97th Communications Squadron welcomed their honorary commander, Chrystal Overton, vice president of academic affairs at Western Oklahoma State College, and the WOSC information technology department for a tour of the squadron’s information technology facilities at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 12, 2023. The event gave WOSC personnel a chance to collaborate with the Airmen from the 97th CS to share best practices and brainstorm ideas on how to improve processes. The 97th CS serves as the communication center for Altus Air Force Base and includes 55 personnel in 11 career fields. The squadron is responsible for command, control, communications, and computer systems, operating and maintaining a $25 million network infrastructure and client support mission. WOSC’s IT department provides information, technology, support and training to faculty, staff and students for the college. “Today we were able to explain our base’s network infrastructure, its architecture, and how it is configured in order to support our mission," said Airman 1st Class Evin Hughes, 97th CS network infrastructure technician. The WOSC IT team visited several areas around the squadron that focused on how the Air Force is modernizing the use of digital age technology. During the tour, the team was able to use a computer simulator, which is used by 97th CS students during cyber security attack prevention training. “Today’s tour allowed us to showcase the support we provide for Altus AFB and the overall Air Force mission,” said Tech. Sgt. Brandon Payne, 97th CS network control center section chief. “It also provided a great opportunity for civic leaders and local organizations to collaborate on the future of our industry.”