WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- 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 June 30, 2023.
Col. Brian McCreary, former Vice Deputy Director for Analysis and Warning for the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, assumed command of GX from outgoing commander, Col. Kenneth Stremmel, in a ceremony officiated by Col. Ariel Batungbacal, commander of NASIC.
Change of command ceremonies are succinct military rituals that involve the departing commander handing over a flag to the new leader. This flag embodies the personnel, accomplishments, and mission for which the incoming commander will now bear full accountability.
“I’d like to thank those involved for the opportunity to lead the Global Exploitation Intelligence Group,” said McCreary. “This opportunity is an honor, and I’m looking forward to serving with you all. The unique work you carry out here has never been more crucial than it is today.”
As one of four groups at NASIC, GX is charged with carrying out analysis of signals intelligence, human intelligence, open-source intelligence, and foreign materiel to generate integrated intelligence for NASIC and the nation. During his final address to GX, Stremmel discussed the group’s achievements under his command.
“This team has accomplished remarkable feats and supported allies worldwide from our home bases, overseas locations, and while deployed,” said Stremmel. “Their work has had far-reaching impacts, and I am continually in awe of the devotion, the ingenuity, and the expertise these members offer daily to national security.”