WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Geospatial and Signatures Intelligence Group at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, welcomed their new incoming commander during a change of command ceremony at the Wright-Patterson Club July 25, 2023.
Col. Brandon Shade assumed command of GS from outbound commander, Col. Steven L. Watts II. This ceremonial transition was presided over by Col. Ariel G. Batungbacal, NASIC commander.
Change of command ceremonies are military traditions that consist of the outbound commander transferring a military standard flag, or guidon, to their successor. This guidon represents its unit, squadron and its commanding officer.
Following the passing of the guidon, Col. Shade formally took command of the group and addressed GS personnel for the first time.
“I’m already amazed by what I’ve seen you accomplish, and I know there’s more to learn,” Shade said. “Let’s build on that work and move forward together.”
Prior to his appointment as GS commander, Shade was the Director, J2 Operations Intelligence for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM.)