BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Col. Neil Hersey handed over command of Joint Task Force ODIN to Col. Mark Levine during a change of command ceremony, July 13, 2014 – the second time they would transfer command to one another throughout their careers.
“These two commanders have more than 20 years of professional and personal relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Colt, deputy commander, support, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan. “No two leaders could want more for their one organization; I’m sure ODIN won’t skip a beat.”
JTF ODIN, which is an acronym that describes their Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and counter improvised explosive devices missions of observe, detect, identify and neutralize, was established in Afghanistan in 2009. ODIN is comprised of units from the U.S. Active Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force, United Kingdom and Australian soldiers, representatives from National Geospatial Agency, National Security Agency, Intelligence and Securities Command, Defense Intelligence Agency, PEO Aviation, and civilian contractors from over 20 different defense related corporations.
“It takes a remarkable team effort of well synchronized crew, analysts, maintainers and staff to put up and sustain these kinds of sorties, and while reaching back to CONUS for integrate analysis too,” said Colt. “JTF ODIN was absolutely vital to our success producing these intended or expected effects day in and day out, and their hard work continues to help set the conditions for our future transition to Resolute Support mission.”
Levine said he understands that he takes the reigns of JTF ODIN during a period of transition.
“We’re in a period of transition, the stakes are high, and none of the tasks are easy, but we’re part of a team of coalition warfighters without equal,” he said to his new team. “All that I’ll ask of you is to hunt the enemy every day, hunt with the pack, and win the fight.”
| Date Taken: |
07.14.2014 |
| Date Posted: |
07.14.2014 09:48 |
| Story ID: |
135996 |
| Location: |
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: |
806 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Old friends exchange command of JTF ODIN, by MSG Kap Kim, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
