Air Force Network migrations coming to Nellis, Creech Published June 12, 2013 By 99th Communications Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis and Creech AFBs will soon merge unclassified computer user accounts and core network services into the newly-centralized Air Force Network construct. Beginning July 29, for a two-month period, technicians will begin migrating workstations, network user accounts, and email into the AFNet construct. The AFNet migration project represents a major change in how computer networks are managed. The primary goal of this project is to achieve a greater level of mission assurance. "[AFNet migration] will not only potentially reduce downtime for our networks, they will also give us greater freedom of movement against a cyber-attack," said Lt. Col. Nathan Paddock, 99th Communications Squadron commander. "It will be possible for the [Air Force Network Operations] commander to direct changes to our network in unison with other bases to harden against a newly-discovered internet threat with accuracy and precision." Additionally, AFNet migration will centralize services like account log-in, virtual private network, and smartphone servers; significantly improving network security and standardization. Finally, operational and training costs at individual bases will be reduced by consolidating systems and services at a centralized data center, known as an area processing center. During the migration, Nellis and Creech AFB customers should be prepared for occasional service interruptions. They may also need assistance restoring some features to their computers, such as Outlook preferences, personal distribution lists, SharePoint access and drive mapping. Smartphones and hand-held devices will also need to be reconfigured. Even though software and hardware problems should be expected, the AFNet team will use a phased approach, with checkpoints along the way to address issues as they arise. In addition, your local help desk and executive communications team will remain available throughout the process to help users adapt to changes. The most visible change will be in the format of email address. The migration formally replaces the old first.last@Nellis.af.mil email address with a standard first.last@us.af.mil address. Regardless of the base or organization assigned, this new address will remain with users for the duration of their career, employment, or affiliation with the Air Force. As more bases join AFNet, Airmen will be able to log into their accounts from any AFNet base without requesting and creating an additional account. This will allow easy access to the network during deployments, and throughout TDY or PCS moves. Sites such as the Air Force Portal, Air Force Personnel Center, Defense Finance Accounting Service, will also remain easily accessible regardless of duty location. The migration will also result in a "consolidated" customer service help desk called the Enterprise Service Desk, which is designed to serve as a "one-stop" shop for the resolution of common user problems. As Nellis and Creech AFB approach the projected July 29 start date, a team of Air Force Network Integration Center, 690th Network Support Group, and technicians from the 99th CS and 799th Air Base Squadron are busy preparing equipment and resources to facilitate the migration of more than 12,000 users. To ensure a smooth transition to the AFNet, look for future email advisories for additional migration-related information.
