Two high-ranking U.S. Air Force officers chosen to manage fresh acquisition hubs
Let's Cut to the Chase
The Air Force has tapped two buzzy cats for top gigs in their new centers: the Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center (AFIDSC) and the Air Force Nuclear Systems Center (AFNSC). If given the green light, these two will command these centers and become lieutenant generals.
The choice for AFIDSC falls on Maj. Gen. Luke C.G. Cropsey, a man on a mission to create the Air Force's next-gen battle management solution. Meanwhile, the Air Force Nuclear Systems Center quartet expands with Maj. Gen. Mark B. Pye at the helm.
Both centers will report directly to Air Force Materiel Command, which is going through a sweeping makeover under a service-wide "re-optimization" strategy for great power competitions.
The AFIDSC center is key to developing and procuring systems that take care of command, control, communications, battle management, cyber technology, electronic warfare, and digital infrastructure[1]. Given his time as the Department of the Air Force’s integrating Program Executive Officer for C3/BM, Cropsey is clearly the man for the job. This role has been quite the juggernaut since his appointment, with Cropsey emerging as a prime mover for the service's battle management modernization endeavors[1]. He recently nabbed his second star, pinning it on less than six months ago[1].
Moving on to the AFNSC, it's essentially an upgrade to the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, with responsibilities extending to the new Program Office for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. The change brings the command up to a three-star level. The AFNSC oversees a plethora of nuclear modernization programs for the Air Force, including the Sentinel ICBM and the enigmatic Long-Range Stand-Off nuclear missile project.
If confirmed, Pye, an ace B-2 pilot and weapons officer, would command the AFNSC and double as the Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Officer for Nuclear Air Delivered Systems and the Nuclear Materiel Manager[1]. Currently riding his third straight stint at the Pentagon, Pye serves as director of programs under the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs.
In his past assignments, Pye has led a B-2 squadron, served as vice commander of the 53rd Test wing, and took charge of the Air Force Inspection Agency[1].
Editor's Note: This piece was updated Dec. 6 to straighten up that the B-21 bomber program won't be managed by the AFNSC.
Rising Stars
- Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center's new commander is Maj. Gen. Luke C.G. Cropsey. His role involves propelling the center towards delivering information dominance and battle management capabilities for Air Force and Space Force missions[1].
- Air Force Nuclear Systems Center: No fresh buzz on a new leader or duties for this center at the time of this story.
For more details on the AFNSC leadership or roles, a deep dive might be necessary.
- The Air Force Nuclear Systems Center is gearing up for advanced warfare strategies, as the new Program Office for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles falls under its jurisdiction.
- The Pentagon is spearheading the development and deployment of next-generation weapons, such as nuclear missiles, with the Sentinel ICBM and the Long-Range Stand-Off project forming a significant part of these efforts.
- Should he be confirmed in his position, Maj. Gen. Mark B. Pye would not only command the Air Force Nuclear Systems Center but also take on the role of the Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Officer for Nuclear Air Delivered Systems and the Nuclear Material Manager, demonstrating the critical intersection of technology and space in modern warfare.
