Boeing launches new intelligence division

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Boeing has launched a new Intelligence and Security Systems division for the U.S. government.

The new division "will provide ground-based and other integrated intelligence and security solutions for a variety of U.S. government customers," the company said in a statement Thursday.

"Steve Oswald, a retired U.S. Naval Reserve rear admiral and former astronaut, was named vice president and general manager of the new I&SS division, reporting to Roger Krone, president of the Network and Space Systems business of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. Oswald brings to the assignment extensive experience in national security and the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance -- C4ISR -- field. I&SS will be based in the Washington, D.C. area," Boeing said.

"I&SS has a workforce of approximately 2,000 people at nine locations nationwide and will be comprised of four program areas: Advanced Information Systems, Mission Systems, Security Solutions, which includes SBInet, and Advanced I&SS," the company said.

"The new Intelligence and Security Systems division enables increased focus on the complex challenges faced by our homeland security and intelligence community customers," Krone said. "Under Steve's leadership, I&SS will improve our ability to bring comprehensive, net-enabled capabilities to meet our customers' dynamic requirements."

"Oswald most recently was vice president and program manager of Boeing's Space Shuttle program, a position he has held since joining Boeing in November 2001. A veteran of three space shuttle missions, he commanded mission STS-67 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in March 1995, after piloting two missions aboard Discovery in 1992 and 1993. Oswald also served as the NASA associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters, where his responsibilities included oversight of the Space Shuttle, Expendable Launch Vehicle and Space Communications programs," Boeing said.

"Oswald's military service spanned 34 years until his retirement from the Navy Reserve as a rear admiral in October 2007. His most recent assignments include service as the deputy commander of the Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations in 2000-01 and then as the reserve assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Communications and Networks through 2007," the company said.