Speaker Mike Johnson tours CIC to learn about STRIKEWERX efforts to innovate Air Force defense technology
Speaker Mike Johnson met with Cyber Innovation Center leaders and Air Force Global Strike Command’s HIVE to learn about innovation in the Air Force on Dec. 22, 2025. (Cyber Innovation Center Photo)
BOSSIER CITY, La. — Speaker Mike Johnson visited the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) Dec. 22 to receive a demonstration of how its partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is impacting global deterrence and enhancing mission effectiveness.
Through STRIKEWERX, the innovation hub for AFGSC, the CIC has helped the U.S. Air Force save hundreds of millions of dollars and deliver cutting-edge technology prototypes that directly support the warfighter.
“The CIC and STRIKEWERX leverage space, talent, and resources to foster collaboration between industry and government, driving innovation that solves the toughest challenges faced by the backbone of the Air Force and the joint force,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “Since 2017, our partnership with the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist has generated more than $300 million in savings.”
CIC President Kevin Nolten, left, updated Speaker Mike Johnson, right, on the CIC and STRIKEWERX’s innovation efforts for AFGSC during a Dec. 22, 2025 visit. (Cyber Innovation Center Photo)
During the visit, Speaker Johnson received an in-depth demonstration from HIVE, an advanced modeling and simulation capability supported by CIC and STRIKEWERX. HIVE integrates people, data, and advanced analytics to give leaders real-time insight into complex missions.
Speaker Johnson observed how HIVE’s wargaming software tests new concepts, evaluates trade-offs, and delivers actionable insights, informing smarter acquisition and faster fielding decisions.
“It is exciting to see the critical work the CIC is doing to support the U.S. Air Force, all from my district in Bossier City. Throughout my time in Congress – and during my tenure on the House Armed Services Committee – I have been a strong advocate for the Louisiana defense community and the many active-duty soldiers and their families serving in our great state,” Speaker Johnson said. “The CIC has truly been a force multiplier for America’s national defense, and I am grateful for their work alongside Air Force Global Strike Command to develop innovative new technologies that enhance our national defense and promote global stability.”
The CIC provides the collaborative environment necessary to unite the Department of War (DoW), subject matter experts, and industry leaders in delivering these modeling and simulation-based results. Efforts are underway at the federal level to transition the HIVE into a standalone capability.
The demonstration was hosted by AFGSC staff, who earlier received a briefing on CIC and STRIKEWERX operations and their impact on the command’s 36,000 Airmen supporting two legs of the nation’s nuclear triad.
Speaker Mike Johnson with Barksdale Forward representatives, CIC leadership, and City of Bossier City and Bossier Parish officials. (Cyber Innovation Center Photo)
“CIC and STRIKEWERX will continue to advance the nuclear mission through data and software initiatives like HIVE, as well as by transitioning innovative prototypes into the command,” said Russ Mathers, director of STRIKEWERX. “AFGSC’s long-range nuclear and conventional strike capabilities form the foundation of every DoW operation, and we’re committed to ensuring they remain ‘Always Ready.’”
Following the demonstration, Speaker Johnson met with representatives of Barksdale Forward, Bossier Parish, and the City of Bossier City to further reiterate his commitment to Barksdale Air Force Base.
About the Cyber Innovation Center
Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), located in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park and serves as the catalyst for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce throughout the region. As a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, CIC fosters collaboration among its partners and accelerates technology, research, and development. One of its primary missions is to develop a sustainable knowledge-based workforce that can support the growing needs of government, industry, and academic partners.
About Speaker Mike Johnson
Speaker Mike Johnson is the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Republican member of Congress proudly serving Louisiana’s Fourth District. As a Member of Congress, he represents the nearly 760,000 residents of 20 parishes in the northwest, northeast, and western regions of his state. Mike was first elected to Congress on December 10, 2016, by the largest margin of victory in his region in more than 50 years and is currently serving in his fifth term in Congress having been reelected January 3, 2025, to continue serving as Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress.