Quantico, Va. -- In 2024, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) marked a year of operational successes, advancements in justice and international collaboration, while reflecting on leadership milestones.
From the Pacific to Africa, Europe and the States, AFOSI personnel led a myriad of operations, supported multinational exercises and refined strategies to counter evolving threats.
“Throughout 2024, AFOSI has advanced its mission through our operations, strengthened strategic partnerships and our commitment to justice,” Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, AFOSI commander. “All while preparing for the evolving challenges of global security.”
For example, earlier this year, AFOSI launched the Air Force Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC), a game-changing initiative designed to streamline criminal justice data reporting and enhance collaboration between military and civilian law enforcement agencies.
On the international front, AFOSI expanded its global footprint. Representatives from nations like the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Qatar visited AFOSI headquarters, fostering critical exchanges on law enforcement strategies, counterintelligence operations and shared security concerns.
Also on the international front, Procurement Fraud (PF) established Detachment 8 within Pacific Air Forces, marking its first detachment in the region and its second permanent overseas detachment.
This new detachment will continue the work already being done by PF to protect the Department of the Air Force from fraud, like the case run by PF Detachment 6 that resulted in a government contractor paying over $950 million for a major government fraud scheme involving defective pricing and other violations.
According to Special Agent Jason Hein, AFOSI PF director, the milestone solidified PF’s status as a global organization.
Meanwhile, AFOSI detachments abroad collaborated with international partners on the ground to address regional priorities. In Poland, Special Agents worked alongside local authorities to bolster regional security.
At the Paris Olympics, Detachment 538 led a team in collaboration with the French Ministry of the Interior’s International Cooperation Center, ensuring the safety of U.S. athletes, coaches and spectators. This modern-day partnership highlighted the strong ties between AFOSI and France, a relationship rooted in decades of cooperation and shared security goals.
That connection was further honored in April when AFOSI inducted Special Agent Rene Georges Pichard into its Hall of Fame. Pichard, who joined AFOSI in 1954, played a pivotal role in fostering U.S.-French relations during the Cold War.
To address challenges posed by global threats, AFOSI updated its counterintelligence (CI) strategy in 2024. Led by Bumgarner, the strategy focuses on protecting Department of the Air Force (DAF) assets and training individuals to prevent espionage and insider threats.
“[DAF’s] CI strategy provides clear guidance on vision, intent, and expectations to address the evolving and numerous threats,” Bumgarner said. “This initiative is intended to prioritize efforts and marks a significant step in [AFOSI] adapting to the dynamic global security environment.”
An example of the command’s counterintelligence efforts in action is AFOSI’s work in safeguarding the B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation stealth bomber that took its first flight this year after its Dec. 2022 unveiling.
The aircraft’s development brought unique challenges, requiring AFOSI’s Office of Special Projects to implement advanced security measures to protect the program.
“AFOSI is safeguarding America's next frontier of air superiority,” said Special Agent Lee Russ, AFOSI PJ director. “This goes beyond traditional security measures -- we are protecting the future of air warfare against an evolving spectrum of threats.”
Since the program’s inception, AFOSI has been integral to its security, Russ said, working closely with over 470 suppliers to ensure classified information remains protected and insider threats are mitigated at every stage of development.
Throughout 2024, AFOSI's analysis program expanded significantly, enhancing collaboration and integrating with the DAF’s Program of Analysis.
At the AFOSI Center, analysts worldwide produced critical intelligence on threats to acquisition, space, cyber domains and special access programs, directly informing senior leaders and driving effective operations and investigations.
At the same time, the agency bolstered its cyber defense with the launch of the Cyber Triage Desk, responding to over 325 incidents, including emerging threats like Chinese SALT Typhoon cyberattacks and drone incursions at U.S. installations.
Recognizing the rise in cybercrimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors, in 2024, AFOSI established the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Operations Branch (ICRO).
This new division enhances online capabilities to combat child exploitation, human trafficking and domestic extremism.
Building on this commitment to modernization and innovation, AFOSI also fully implemented the Records, Investigations & Operations Network (ORION), a modernized case management system designed to streamline operational activities and enhance investigations management across the agency. First deployed in March 2023, ORION integrates cloud computing, digitization, and real-time data capabilities, streamlining case processing and improving communication across the agency.
“This system represents more than a software upgrade—it’s a transformation in how we manage cases to stay ahead of technological trends and emerging threats,” said Special Agent Justin Soderlund, earlier this year. “With ongoing enhancements and a robust training program for personnel, ORION is set to shape the future of AFOSI operations and investigations.”
While advancing its operational goals, AFOSI also honored its leaders, past and present.
The year began on a somber note with the death of Col. Tara R. Lunardi, AFOSI deputy commander, Feb. 7. A dedicated leader with nearly 27 years of military service, Lunardi was remembered for her mentorship, leadership and commitment to AFOSI’s mission.
In July, AFOSI celebrated its top officer, Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, during a promotion ceremony at the Clubs at Quantico, Virginia. Although she had pinned on her star in late 2023, the delayed event brought together past and present AFOSI leaders, friends and family.
Retired Brig. Gen. Francis X. Taylor (AFOSI’s 13th commander 1996–2001) hosted the ceremony, commending Bumgarner’s leadership and dedication to the agency’s mission.
Later in November, Bumgarner showcased her leadership during a week of events in Texas, presiding over a Basic Military Training graduation and a Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony. Joined by Chief Master Sgt. James Hoy, who became AFOSI’s 18th command chief in August.
Bumgarner and Hoy participated in milestones like the Airman’s Run, where they ran alongside trainees in the culmination of their training.
“Our work in 2024 reaffirms AFOSI’s role in protecting the people and assets of the Department of the Air Force,” Bumgarner said. “As we move into 2025, AFOSI carries forward this year’s successes while remaining ready to face any challenge thanks to the dedication of our people.”