U.S. Air Force Adm. Timothy Howe Takes the Helm of NSA and Cyber Command

National Security Agency (NSA) (NSA) andCyber Command ( USCYBERCOM ) has a new leader as General Timothy D. Haugh takes command of U.S. Cyber Command and NSA/Central Security Service (CSS) on Friday, February 2, 2024 ....

The transfer of authority and responsibility ceremony at Fort Meade, Maryland, marked the transition of leadership from Gen. Paul M. Nakasone (U.S. Army) to Gen. Timothy D. Haugh (U.S. Air Force).

President Biden selected General Timothy D. Haugh in May 2023 to assume the leadership role of overseeing U.S.cyber warfareand defense, cryptography and signals intelligence.

General Timothy D. Haugh said, "I am honored to begin my tenure as Commander of U.S. Cyber Command,National SecurityDirector of the Bureau and Director of the Central Security Agency." "During my tenure at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, I've seen our people do incredible things on behalf of the Nation, creating unique advantages that put us ahead of our adversaries. I am confident in our ability to achieve our goals because I know that the men and women of U.S. Cyber Command and NSA/CSS are prepared to meet any challenge they encounter."

General Timothy D. Haugh has held leadership positions in the Sixteenth Air Force, Air Force Cyber Force, Joint Force Headquarters Cyber Force, and the Intelligence Community, and has worked closely with the National Security Agency during numerous tours of duty.

"The folks at Fort Meade are handling some of the most important missions in the Department of Defense," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Catherine Hicks, who presided over the change of command ceremony Friday. "Cyber Command watches over cyberspace day and night."

"In the 21st century security environment, you are on the front lines," Hicks said. "Our competitors are seeking to erode our military advantage - threatening our infrastructure, information systems and industrial base."

Gen. Paul M. Nakasone has served as Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the NSA/SSA since May 2018, taking over upon the retirement of Admiral Mike Rogers and the command's promotion to a unified combatant command. Under the Lieutenant General's leadership, the NSA established unclassifiedcyber securityCollaboration Center, and in September 2023 announced the creation of an AI Safety Center.

Gen. Paul M. Nakasone said, "I am most proud that U.S. Cyber Command, and specifically NSA/CSS, has maintained the trust and confidence of the American people. I believe that our collective actions in signals intelligence, cybersecurity, and cyberspace warfare missions have shown our people that we are worthy of that trust."

"I am incredibly proud and deeply satisfied to be stepping down after 37 years of service," said Gen. Paul M. Nakasone. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the outstanding men and women of U.S. Cyber Command, the NSA and CSS. Together, we have responded to the dynamic cyberspace landscape, evolving our operations and protecting our nation from escalating threats. During my farewell to active duty, I look forward to spending time with my family and reflecting on the legacy we have created together."

The United States Cyber Command was established in 2009, sharing resources, headquarters and commanders with the National Security Agency. It achieved operational capability in late 2010.