WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh -- The Global Exploitation Intelligence Group at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, welcomed their incoming commander during a change of command ceremony at the Wright-Patterson Club July 14.
Colonel Kenneth A. Stremmel assumed command of GX from outgoing commander Col. Duane Diesing in a ceremony officiated by Col. Maurizio Calabrese, the commander of NASIC.
Change of command events are traditionally brief, but significant, military ceremonies that involve the outgoing commander passing a flag to the incoming leader. The flag is meant to represent the people, achievements and mission for which the incoming commander is now accepting full responsibility.
“I’m humbled to be your commander, and I am fully aware of the significance of what you do for our nation,” said Stremmel. “While I have not served in NASIC before, I have relied on the center throughout my career in each and every assignment. What you do here no one else in the world does, and NASIC is in greater demand today than ever.”
As a part of NASIC, GX is responsible for executing analysis of signals intelligence, human intelligence, open source intelligence, and foreign materiel to create integrated intelligence for NASIC and the nation. In his final remarks to GX, Diesing spoke about these things and what GX has accomplished.
“This team has put together some impressive numbers and supported customers all over the world from home stations, from overseas and from deployed locations,” said Diesing. “They have had national level impacts, and I am constantly in awe of the dedication, the innovation, and the skills these members contribute daily to national security.”
After receiving the flag from Diesing, Stremmel formally took command of the group and spoke to GX personnel for the first time.
“Thank you for trusting me to take command of an amazing group of Airmen and Guardians,” said Stremmel. “I intend to empower you and work beside you as we create advantages for the United States and our allies while staying ahead of our competitors. Together, with the rest of the wing and countless mission partners, we will continue to accelerate our mission and take NASIC to new heights.”