WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio. -- Col. Catherine Gambold succeeded Col. Ariel Batungbacal as the commander of the Air and Cyberspace Intelligence Group (AC) during a June 1 change of command ceremony here.
The group’s mission is to create all-source intelligence defining the present and future air, air defense, and cyber threats to enable military operations, force modernization, and policy making.
Col. Maurizio Calabrese presided over the ceremony in front of a crowd of more than 100 NASIC members, mission partners and family members who gathered at the Wright-Patterson Club.
This was Calabrese’s last official event as the NASIC commander, and he took the opportunity to share his signature guidance with Col. Gambold.
“Be yourself, take care of your Airmen and Guardians, and find a way to get to yes,” said Calabrese.
Prior to taking command, Gambold was the executive officer to the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Throughout her career, she has served on both Major Command and Air Staffs, and as the 547th Intelligence Squadron commander at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for me…I have been an admirer and a customer of NASIC’s intelligence for 23 years,” said Gambold. “Thank you to Col. Calabrese for your trust and support. Thank you to my family – you are my example of resiliency.”
Gambold also thanked the outgoing AC commander. “To Col. Batungbacal…I look forward to having the opportunity of leading in your footsteps. I look forward to the journey going forward and will remove any barriers that get in our way.”
Batungbacal’s next assignment is as the commander of NASIC, which she assumed June 2. Before departing her group role, she remarked on the successes and advancements made by each of the group’s six squadrons, thanking them for their mission contributions.
“I’m proud and honored and humbled to stand alongside my teammates as an AC alum,” she said.