21st SW, 67th NWW: Paired for success Published May 11, 2010 By 21st Space Wing Guardian Challenge Committee PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 2010 Guardian Challenge competition, America's premier space and cyberspace competition, marks another milestone since its beginning in 1967, with the integration of the cyberspace mission into the competition. The 24th Air Force, Air Force Space Command's cyber Numbered Air Force, participation in Guardian Challenge showcases the commitment to the crucial cyber mission. Before the start of the 2010 Guardian Challenge season, space wings were paired with cyber wings to assist them with their first Guardian Challenge and ensure it is a memorable and successful one. The 21st Space Wing paired up with the 67th Network Warfare Wing, located at Lackland AFB, Texas. The 67th NWW, commanded by Col. Bradford Shwedo, executes Air Force network operations, defense, attack, and exploitation to create integrated cyberspace effects for Air Force Network Operations commander and combatant commands. The wing's lineage traces back to the World War II era, established as the 67th Reconnaissance Wing on Nov. 6, 1947. It was redesignated as the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing on Aug. 22, 1948, but less than a year later the 67th was inactivated. The wing has since been activated and redesignated three different times since 1951. On July 5, 2006, the wing was redesignated the 67th NWW. The 67th NWW and the 21st SW worked closely together planning a successful 2010 Guardian Challenge. Both Colonel Shwedo and Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st SW commander, have visited the other's wing to learn more of the distinct and vital missions each wing is responsible for and to discuss the integrations of space and cyberspace capabilities. The competition is held every two years to hone warrior skills and develop teamwork, making Airmen more effective members of the joint team. Teams from nine wings and one center, including newly added cyber and Air National Guard units, will be a part of Guardian Challenge 2010 competition events. Trophies will be contested for best space operations, space launch, space acquisitions, combat communications, cyber forces, security forces, space communications and space operations. "Col. Shwedo and I are confident that our wings' partnership will result in a sterling Guardian Challenge performance, eloquently showcasing our awesome abilities as the world's premier space and cyberspace force." The competition concludes here May 21.