NASIC conducts change of command

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Zachary Wilson
  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Col. Parker H. Wright took command of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center during a change of command ceremony, June 28 at the U.S. Air Force Museum, making him the newest leader of the Air Force’s primary source for foreign air and space intelligence.

Wright succeeds Col. Sean P. Larkin, who had led the service center since June 2016.

Lt. Gen. VeraLinn “Dash” Jamieson, the Air Force’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, presided over the ceremony where she addressed an audience of more than 500 people. The general praised the Center’s accomplishments under Larkin’s tenure before relinquishing the center’s colors to Parker, in recognition of his new role.

The general brought up the example of dynasties in professional sports, long lasting runs of excellence, when she made a note that Wright was beginning his third continuous command tenure.

“That’s back-to-back-to-back commands – a rare feat in our Air Force,” she said. “I have no doubt your team will continue to advance the mission and (Wright’s) vision.”

Wright, who was recently the commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center at Royal Air Force Molesworth, U.K., previous commander of the 659th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at Ft. Meade, Md., as well as previous NASIC squadron commander here, mentioned how much he valued the Center’s products as a customer at both the operational and strategic spaces around the world.

“I am in awe of the collection of experts (at NASIC),” he said. “We are the gold standard, the work we do here can’t be done by anyone else. I saw this firsthand in (European Command). NASIC will always be foundational to our national defense.”

Jamieson referenced awards the Center Airmen have won – at the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community – under Larkin’s command. The general noted that she expects the critical support NASIC provides to key decision makers at the highest levels will continue to have impact around the world. She also referenced NASIC’s recent Unit Effectiveness Inspection rating of “Highly Effective,” which places NASIC among the top four percent of Wing-level organizations across the Air Force.

“(The UEI rating) was an amazing accomplishment,” Jamieson said. “Without a doubt we will see continued recognition for the work NASIC Airmen do.”

Larkin, who completed his third tour of duty at NASIC after first being assigned as a second lieutenant in 1994 and the ending his command of the Global Exploitation Intelligence Group in 2013, will become the director of defense engagements for the Director of National Intelligence in Washington, D.C. During his remarks Larkin reflected on the accomplishments and the 101-year legacy of the Center, recognizing the unique history that started with the first aviation intelligence unit in 1917. He ended with his thoughts on the Center’s mission going forward with Wright at the helm.

“We have returned to great power competition,” he said. “And that competition takes place in the space NASIC operates.”