Change of command on tap for NASIC

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base welcomes a new commander next week.

Col. Ariel Batungbacal assumes command of NASIC on June 2, the center said in a release late Thursday. The change of command ceremony takes place in the National Museum of the United States Air Force at 10 a.m. that day.

Batungbacal most recently served as the commander of the Air and

Cyberspace Intelligence Group at NASIC.

Relinquishing command is Col. Maurizio Calabrese, who was recently confirmed for promotion to brigadier general. His next assignment has not been announced.

Lt. Gen. Mary O’Brien, deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, will preside over the ceremony.

The National Space Intelligence Center begins operations at NASIC in coming weeks. The new center will borrow two squadrons from NASIC.

Based at Wright-Patterson, NASIC is the Department of Defense’s primary source for foreign air and space threat analysis. NASIC is the Air Force’s service intelligence center, the nation’s air and space intelligence center and an operational wing in the Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work.

Elsewhere on Wright-Patterson, the Air Force recently announced the assignments of two senior executives.

Lorna Estep has been assigned to serve as executive director at the headquarters of Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) at Wright-Patterson, the Air Force said.

And Gaurav Sharma has been named chief scientist at the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson. Sharma’s previous position was senior scientist, cognitive neuroscience.