Computer changes coming to Whiteman Published March 1, 2012 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright 442nd FW/PA WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- In an ongoing effort to modernize the computer systems, the Air Force is consolidating local computer domains into one centralized AF domain. Senior Master Sgt. Charlene Rhoads, 442nd Communications flight information services chief, is a local part of the Air Force-wide effort to centralize Air Force computer domains. The migration of domains began in December. Rhoads said the process should be transparent, with little to no impact to reservists. Part of the consolidation is the transition away from e-mail suffixes with Air Force base names in them to a universal e-mail suffix. For example, john.doe@whiteman.af.mil will become john.doe@us.af.mil. Reservists' e-mail accounts will not be affected whether they use the old or new address, Rhoads said, but she urges Airmen to begin using the new address. "The old e-mail address will continue to work for a time, there is no need to update all your contacts with the new address," Rhoads said. "However, people should start to use the new address after the migration." The reason for the migration is to increase network security and to reduce costs. The 442nd Communications Flights' role in the migration is to support the off-base migration team, who goes to different bases accomplishing the change-over. "We are here to help the migration team, when they need help on 442nd computers we are there to get hands-on and get the job done," Rhoads said. To prepare for the migration, the 509th Communications Squadron recommends reducing the size of your mailbox, backing up all important computer information on an external source, reading migration-related messages, and acting on migration-action messages during the process. These steps can be accomplished even if you are on temporary duty, on leave or deployed. If you need assistance, you may contact the 442nd Communications Flight at (660) 687-2965 or the 509th Bomb Wing migration communication focal point at (660) 687-5012.