49 IS receives new commander

  • Published
  • 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing

The men and women of the 49th Intelligence Squadron came together to welcome their incoming commander, Lt. Col. Jeremy B. Folks during an assumption of command ceremony August 7, 2021 at Lincoln Air Field, Nebraska. Col. Jennifer L. Mulder, 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, presided over the ceremony.  

Folks was a student at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy prior to taking command.

This was the first opportunity in nearly two years for family members to be here together with the unit.  It was significant and meaningful for the members and their families after the devastating Offutt flood of 2019 followed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of that.

“I want to thank all of the family members of the 49ers in attendance today.  For those here who are the sons and daughters, spouses and life partners of the men and women of the 49th intelligence squadron I want to speak to you specifically...  I want to personally thank you for the many weekends (and weekdays) you have given up time to be with mom or dad, husband, wife, or life partner. …  I know the Folks Family is new to the unit, but we are not new to the mission, nor to the sacrifices that your families have made on behalf of our nation.”

During his remarks, Folks spoke about his expectations and plans for the future of the squadron.

“This mission I speak of is now more important than it has been in decades.  Much of our focus in national security has recently shifted from counterinsurgency operations to that of great power competition, specifically with Russia and China.  During the past 18 months of COVID uncertainty, each of these nations has worked diligently to match the United States in our military capabilities.  Recent aggressive actions by both countries requires our nation’s most senior government leaders to have constant knowledge of the capabilities and threats posed by these two great power competitors. Now, more than ever, we need Airmen that have been specially trained to provide that knowledge to our senior leaders.  Now, more than ever, we need experienced, seasoned military veterans in the reserve component who are willing to continue serving.  The men and women of the 49th intelligence squadron are among the most highly trained, most knowledgeable, and most capable members of the United States military.” 

Folks highlighted his expectations for the squadron and the importance each Airman makes to the mission.

“To the Airmen of the 49th, I want to tell you one very important thing:  you matter.  Your very presence here is important for our nation’s security.  Ninety-nine percent of the manned ISR strategic reserve capability against peer competitors for the entire Air and Space Forces of the United States is sitting in this hangar right now. Each of you brings value to the organization…and our nation needs you now more than ever. From the AMS leading the crews on the jet, to the signals analysts that turn our collection into high-level reports for senior leaders, to the support personnel working overtime to ensure we all have hotels, orders, records updates, countless training certificates, each of you brings value to the squadron, and without each one of you, we cannot complete this incredibly important mission. So I say again: You matter.  You make a difference.  I'm honored and humbled to be your commander, and I look forward to serving with you all.”

Following the ceremony, family and friends were treated to self-guided tours of the RC-135 and a squadron picnic.  This was the first opportunity for most family members to actually see (and sit in) the plane that the squadron members fly on.