HURLBURT FIELD, Florida -- The 28th Intelligence Squadron, 755th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, held a change of command ceremony honoring the outgoing squadron commander, Lt. Col. Elisabeth Applegate, and welcoming the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Jennifer Phillips, on May 6, 2023.
The 28th Intelligence Squadron is the Classic Associate Unit to the 25th Intelligence Squadron based at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Col. Peter Tortorici, 755th ISR Group commander, presided over the change of command as one of his last official functions before relinquishing command of the 755th ISR Group.
Since assuming command of the 28 IS July 1, 2020, Applegate led the Air Force Reserve’s most-deployed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance unit, supporting global Special Operations in five Combatant Commands. She has been a member of the 28th IS since its inception in 2013 and served as the squadron’s third commander.
“As demonstrated by today’s ceremony, change is inevitable, I know you will all tackle it together,” Applegate said. “As your outgoing commander, I have witnessed you lead at all levels, contribute immeasurably to the defense of America’s interests, and sacrifice selflessly to the squadron, intelligence enterprise, and nation. For that, I cannot thank you all enough!”
Phillips previously served as the assistant director of operations of the 926th Operations Group Detachment 1 and as the director of intelligence at the 505th Command and Control Wing, where she provided intelligence expertise to the only wing in the U.S. Air Force dedicated to operational level command and control (C2).
In her acceptance speech, Phillips offered an inspiring reminder.
“As we face an uncertain future, challenged at every turn along the continuum of conflict, you are there. Protecting our country, our allies, and the future liberty and freedom of our children and their children’s children,” Phillips said.
Phillips vowed to “tirelessly ensure you have everything you need to be ready and resilient.”