WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 14th Intelligence Squadron, 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, held a change of command ceremony honoring the outgoing squadron commander, Lt. Col. Scott Hunnemeyer, and welcoming the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Nicholas Herald, on February 13, 2022.
The 14th Intelligence Squadron is one of three 655th ISRG squadrons based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, along with the group headquarters.
Since assuming command of the 14th IS February 1, 2021, Hunnemeyer, the unit’s first traditional reserve commander, led the Air Force Reserve Command’s only acquisition intelligence squadron to provide flawless support to a 549 billion dollar portfolio of Air Force and Joint weapon systems. Furthermore, his leadership drove collaboration with the 21st Intelligence Squadron, the 14th’s Classic Associate Unit and successful formal training of 160 personnel on behalf of Air Force Materiel Command.
Hunnemeyer, a Naval Academy graduate, credits his success to the support he received from his wife, Paula, his predecessor, Lt. Col. (ret.) Ben Smallwood, the support of group and wing leaders, and the tireless work ethic of the Airmen of the 14th IS.
“The mission we do is critical, whether at the 14th or anywhere else in both the Reserve and Active forces. Defending our great nation, and freedom around the world, is an amazing adventure. The only things that truly last, however, are the friendships we build along the way. I am a better man because of the men and women of the 14th.”
Additionally, Hunnemeyer guided 58 intelligence analysts to execute over one thousand man-days of support for five combatant commands, increase reporting of emerging adversary capabilities by twenty-five percent, and led the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing in mission qualification, total force training, and medical readiness rates, all while navigating a worldwide pandemic.
Herald, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as director of operations at the 23rd Intelligence Squadron, where he led more than 77 personnel in ensuring the operational integration of trained and ready reserve personnel into United States Cyber Command mission-sets.
In his acceptance speech, Herald offered a sobering reminder that, “Our country is relying on us, right now, before war begins to stay ahead of our peer adversaries so that weapon systems we support stay relevant throughout their entire lifecycle.”
Herald, with that difficult task in mind, urged the members of the squadron to “take care of each other” and “relentlessly strive to improve every aspect of our mission.”
The presiding officer for the ceremony, Col. Jennifer L. Mulder, 655th ISRG commander, spoke at the ceremony on the qualities both leaders possess.
Commenting on Lt. Col. Hunnemeyer, she warmly referenced that he was able to create a culture that not only succeeded at the mission, but also felt like family. She further commended him for the deliberate development and outstanding accomplishments of the men and women of the 14th.
Colonel Mulder highlighted how the experience Lt. Col. Herald gained as a director of operations will directly translate into ensuring a mission-focus for the 14th. She charged Lt. Col. Herald with leading the unit with honor, integrity and a passion for the Airmen under his command.