WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The National Air and Space Intelligence Center commemorated an important chapter in its history April 15 with a retreat ceremony at the flag pole outside the main building.
The event marked the anniversary of the center’s transformation into a wing structure, a move that resulted in the activation of the Air Force’s first set of technical intelligence analysis groups and squadrons.
Just before retreat, members of the detail team discussed marching order and movements near the building. Among them was Staff Sgt. Christopher Krause, a member of NASIC’s Persistent Infrared Analysis Squadron (GSP).
“Everyone here is the best of the best,” Krause said. “Having subject matter experts on hand at any time for any imaginable task is truly phenomenal. I couldn’t ask to be part of a better team.”
Krause and his fellow GSP and GEOINT Analysis Squadron Airmen said they were happy to be able to take part in the flag detail commemorating NASIC history. The retreat was held 11 years after a formal ceremony activated NASIC’s four groups and seventeen squadrons.
“The transformation of NASIC to a traditional wing structure streamlined our presentation of forces and capabilities within the Air Force ISR enterprise and empowered those who previously served as directorate and division chiefs with new command authorities,” said NASIC Commander Col. Parker H. Wright. “It also aligned us with our rich Air Force heritage.”
The first Air Force wing was established more than 100 years ago when the American Expeditionary Forces of the United States Army stood up the 1st Pursuit Wing in 1918. Although this wing did not survive post-World War I demobilization, new wings stood up throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
In the 1950s, the Air Force started assigning World War II-era combat squadrons directly to the wing structure. Today, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein describes squadrons as the “beating heart of the Air Force” and the Air Force’s most essential team.
NASIC’s next retreat ceremony is scheduled for July 1 and will commemorate the 1961 establishment of the Foreign Technology Division, the center’s predecessor organization.