WIESBADEN, Germany — The U.S. military is enhancing its capability to protect its computer networks throughout Europe and parts of the Middle East.

U.S. Army Europe’s 5th Signal Command hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to mark the grand opening of its Gray Center Cyber Operations Center.

The purpose of the facility, named in honor of the late Lt. Gen. Robert E. Gray, a Signal Corps pioneer, is to consolidate tactical, theater and strategic communications functions to support the U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe. The center, a state-of-the-art green building, is expected to significantly expand its scope of activity in the coming years.

“Fifth Signal Command is the first such facility to manage all services’ networks,” said Col. Kelly Knitter, deputy commander for the “Dragon Warriors,” the nickname of 5th Signal Command soldiers. The Gray Center’s long-term goal is to take over cyberwatch responsibility from the Stuttgart-based European Command, Knitter added.

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Col. Jimmy L. Hall Jr., commander of 5th Signal Command, highlighted the importance of Gray’s early investments in the corps. “Today is an opportunity for us to rededicate ourselves to the principles for which Lt. Gen. Gray lived and served,” Hall said.

Gray’s widow, Annie, and their two children attended the ceremony.

brown.eric@stripes.com