ROME - The Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome could gain more jobs during the next two years.
The U.S. Air Force’s Cyber Command is considering putting a section of its headquarters in Rome, as well as other installations across the country, said Lt. Col. Michael Convertino, who is overseeing development aspects of the new command.
A handful of personnel may come soon, he said.
“It’s a handful now, and we are not sure how much it’s likely to grow over time. As a local, I’m excited about it myself,” said Convertino, who grew up in Utica.
When it is fully functional, the command headquarters will consist of between 450 and 500 people spread across 10 locations. Some of the locations could get as many as 100 people, Convertino said.
“The good news is, there at least will be a handful of people coming here, and that may grow over time as our research requirements grow,” he said.
Direct dealings with the new Cyber Command would increase Rome Lab’s contributions to Air Force capabilities in cyberspace, Convertino said.
Last fall, when news of the new Cyber Command first circulated, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, expressed concern it could siphon jobs from Rome Lab, which already does research in cyberspace capabilities.
Griffo said he had spoken with Cyber Command officials since then and now believes the plan could benefit the lab.
Still, he said, the area had fought hard to keep its military installations and “after the difficult battles we have won, we must always be cognizant of what’s taking place.”
Convertino said cyber-related research at Rome lab was not in jeopardy.
“Rome lab is an anchor for the command and is a principal source of research the command has, and that fact will not diminish or go away,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., want the Air Force to know how important the lab is to the local economy, according to Arcuri’s office.
“Senator Clinton and I are working hard to ensure that the vast potential of Cyber Command is part of the economic development future of our region and the security future of the country,” Arcuri said in an e-mailed statement.
“I will continue to work with Senator Clinton, state and local officials, and the generals at Cyber Command to ensure that Rome Lab is a leading source of jobs and economic growth in the Mohawk Valley and a national leader in cutting-edge security technology,” according to the statement.
Clinton’s representatives confirmed she was working with Arcuri on the issue.
‘”As one of the nation’s finest defense research facilities, Rome (lab) is not only leading the development of cutting edge technology in support of our troops, it has also become a partner in the continued growth of the local economy,” Clinton said in an e-mailed statement.
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