WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Three 655 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group detachments formally activated as official intelligence squadrons effective midnight, September 2.
The former Det. 1, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Det. 2, Fort Meade, Maryland and Det. 3, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, are now the 23rd IS, 512th IS, and the 820th IS, respectively.
The 23rd IS and the 512th IS are both cyber intelligence squadrons, conducting cyberspace ISR in support of the Cyber National Mission Forces. This includes cybersecurity integral to United States Department of Defense intelligence operations and is the foundation for a strong cyberspace defense. Cybersecurity involves applying a number of security standards and best practices across a very broad and varied network environment or environments.
“The healthy functioning of cyberspace is essential to national security,” said Col. John McKaye, 655th ISRG Commander. “Securing the DOD’s portion of cyberspace is a strategic challenge that requires a coordinated and focused effort carried out by a flexible and agile force. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen provide surge capacity when our nation calls upon us. We are able to plug in to a 24 hour operations schedule, often with short notice and fill in - critical gaps, working side-by-side with our active duty counterparts.”
The 820th IS is a Targeting Intelligence Squadron engaged in target analysis and precise aim point development. TI supports current operations and contingency planning by generating targeting-focused products, producing the precise geographic locations which are essential for the use of precision-guided munitions and coordinates that are vital to coordinate seeking weapons. The Battle Damage Assessment cell provides operational units with all available post-strike imagery along with all available reports giving units an assessment/image of the target.
“The threats of today will evolve into the enemies of tomorrow,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Stauffer, 820th IS Commander. “The capability of our Reserve Citizen Airmen are a key component to future security and stability.”
The 23rd IS held a formal activation ceremony at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, September 8, 2017, and the 512th IS held their ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, on the 10th. During each ceremony, McKaye urged squadron members to set the bar high for future members to meet and exceed.
“Strive to be better today than you were yesterday, and strive to be better tomorrow than you are today,” he said. “Always be learning, always be recruiting and never stop growing.”
The 820th IS formal activation ceremony is scheduled for November.
The 655 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group is dedicated to serving as the premier and most diverse ISR Group in the United States Air Force, delivering timely, reliable, accurate and actionable intelligence products enabling a decisive advantage over adversaries of the United States. The 655th consists of a headquarters and three tenant squadrons in Ohio, and 11 geographically separated units in California, Texas, Nebraska, Virginia, Florida and Maryland. For exciting and rewarding career opportunities with the 655 ISRG, please contact your local Air Force Reserve recruiter or call 937-257-8117.