Cassidy, Cyber Innovation Center celebrate $8M in funding to continue supporting America’s defense

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined the leadership of the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) Tuesday, Aug. 30, to highlight their work with Air Force Global Strike Command to support our nation’s defense and celebrate the $8 million in funding secured by Senator Cassidy and the Louisiana congressional delegation to continue the technology and cost savings developed by the CIC for the U.S. Air Force.

The funding also provided for the development of a revolutionary air refueling trainer for the B-52 aircraft that is estimated to save $4 million per year in costs and will increase safety for America’s airmen who train at Barksdale Air Force Base. Cassidy has been a staunch advocate for the CIC and Barksdale Air Force Base, including in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations cycle.

“We need our military to stay on the cutting edge of science and technology to keep America safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The Cyber Innovation Center is doing great work right here in Northwest Louisiana, to ensure that happens.”

In addition to Cassidy’s advocacy for Fiscal Year 2023 on behalf of the Cyber Innovation Center, he supported a Congressional investment in Fiscal Year 2022 that helped the CIC create a solution to the antiquated air crew alerting system that resulted in a $200 million cost savings for the Air Force.

The Cyber Innovation Center itself is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park, and serves as a catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region.

Cassidy was joined by Mr. Craig Spohn, President and Executive Director of the Cyber Innovation Center.

“Senator Cassidy is a great friend of the Cyber Innovation Center,” said Mr. Spohn. “He has secured federal funding for us to partner with Air Force Global Strike Command and develop the military technologies of the future. This will help keep America and Louisiana safe from overseas threats. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Senator.”

(Photo courtesy of Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune)