Information Warfare Analysis Squadron activates under new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristof Rixmann
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE --  WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Lt. Col. Joseph D. Chapman took command of the Information Warfare Analysis Squadron during a dual squadron activation and change of command ceremony June 29 at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The newly activated squadron replaces the now deactivated Cyber Threats Analysis Squadron, which was led by Lt. Col. Melissa H. Keown during its final two years.
Col. Catherine A. Gambold, Air and Cyberspace Intelligence Group commander, presided over the ceremony and shared her thoughts on the squadron’s significance.

“This is not only a special day, this is a historic day,” said Gambold. “We’re activating the new squadron which will play a key role in competing with and deterring our adversaries. It represents the culmination of Lt. Col. Keown’s leadership over the last two years and the opportunity that awaits Lt. Col. Chapman.”
Gambold then outlined her expectations for Chapman in his new role.

“There is no more important job in your career than squadron command,” she said. “Welcome to your beginning, here. You are absolutely the right person to lead the new Information Warfare Analysis Squadron into its future.”

“With this squadron there are two things: I want you to lead boldly and come to work every day ready to compete with our adversaries because that’s what they’re doing,” Gambold continued. “Additionally, I want you to take care of your people. COVID is still with us and although it’s becoming more normalized, the long term physical and mental health impacts are very much still with us. Take care of your people; I know you will.”

Chapman, who previously served as the deputy chief of the Information Warfare Division at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, remarked how appreciative and eager he was to embark on this journey as a new commander in a newly-minted squadron.

“I look forward to commanding but also serving you over the next two years,” said Chapman. “I’m excited to advance the mission as far as we can. The Information Warfare Analysis Squadron is going to keep charging forward, and we’re going to show NASIC and the rest of the Intelligence Community what this squadron can do.

The activation of this squadron represents the continued evolution of both the Air Force and the Intelligence Community that is rising to meet the challenges of a dynamic battlespace.

Information Warfare holds the potential to either greatly further or threaten the success of air operations and national security during competition and conflict in a pivotal new domain.

The service members and civilian intelligence analysts of the squadron are now given the responsibility to provide pertinent, timely, accurate analysis and assessments to support policy, acquisitions, and operational decision-makers as they contest our adversaries in the information environment.