LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Col. Paul D. Nelson took command of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing from Col. Daniel R. Johnson at a change of command ceremony Sept. 9.
The 480th falls under the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, and its commander, Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold, presided over the ceremony. The agency has its headquarters on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
During his speech, Heithold said he knew Nelson was the best person to continue leading the men and women of the wing.
"He has excelled at every place we have put him in the United States Air Force," said Heithold. "We are getting the right guy to take command here. I know he will continue to make us proud."
After the ceremonial passing of the guidon, Nelson addressed the 480th ISR Wing as their commander for the first time.
"I am humbled to be chosen to command such an organization," he said. "I have a deep respect for your decisive impact on the mission 24/7, for the direct support you provide to the tactical mission and for your many successes all over the world."
Nelson also talked about his immediate focus and the many tasks facing the wing as it continues to grow in strength.
"When I look at our responsibility in the future, my immediate focus is taking care of Airmen," he said. "We have a daunting task and a huge responsibility to bed down and train 2,000 additional Airmen who will be entering our wing in the coming years."
In his farewell speech, Johnson thanked the Airmen from the 480th, the Air National Guard and his family.
"Thank you for supporting me during my command and throughout my career," he said.
During the ceremony, Heithold thanked Johnson's family for the sacrifices they have made over the years.
"Along the way, Dan had the loving support of his wife and family," the general said. "It's the toughest job. Thank you for all your sacrifices."
Nelson has held a variety of intelligence assignments at the squadron, wing, major command, Air Staff and unified command level, to include squadron intelligence officer, intelligence instructor at the A-10 schoolhouse, a member of the Air Combat Command Inspector General team and European Command operations planner as well as ISR branch chief. He also commanded the Air Force's only operational information operations squadron during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Prior to arriving at Langley, he served as the director of Plans, Programs, Requirements and Assessments for the Air Force ISR Agency.
As the 480th ISR Wing commander, he will direct the worldwide ISR operations of six ISR groups, supporting five numbered Air Force commands, and will be responsible for more than 4,600 personnel.