WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The National Air and Space Intelligence Center celebrated 107 years of providing expert scientific and technical analysis on behalf of the country at its annual NASIC Ball, held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2024. The theme of the evening was the “Soaring 20s,” and Team NASIC dressed in their speakeasy best to celebrate.
The event featured guest speaker Robert Young, NASIC historian, who channeled his expertise into heritage-focused remarks that highlighted key moments in NASIC’s history.
In his remarks that followed, Col. Kenneth Stremmel, NASIC commander, made the link between NASIC’s history and its enduring legacy.
“NASIC, what you do each day has lasting impacts on our Air Force and our nation,” Stremmel said. “I’m certain that if the analysts of the 1920s could see you now, they would be proud of the way you’ve continued their legacy, preparing our center to meet the moment for our nation over and over again.”
The Ball also provided a special opportunity to celebrate the winners of the Harold E. Watson Award and the NASIC Wall of Honor.
The Wall of Honor award is the highest honor NASIC can bestow on its alumni. The distinguished award, given to former civilian or military members, recognizes the individual’s significant achievements and is reflective of the culmination of their exceptional contributions to the Center. The winner this year was Col. Nicholas Yankowski, U.S. Air Force, retired
After a few remarks from Col. Yankowski, the program shifted focus to the winner of the Watson Award.
The Major General Watson Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes those individuals who over the course of their career, have made lasting and positive contributions to NASIC. Individuals are selected for this award based on the impact of their leadership, achievements, and mentorship in pursuit of the Center’s mission. The winner this year was Chris Mayrand, Integrated C4ISR Analysis Squadron senior intelligence analyst.
“Celebrating lifetime achievements like these is such an honor and a testament to the sheer dedication and selflessness of our members,” Stremmel said. “Congratulations to each of our nominees, our award winners and their families.”