Communications 707th Squadron “Thunder Warriors” hold change of command ceremony

Photo By Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis | Col. Curtis Madeley, left, 707th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, Lt. Col. Stephanie Silva, center, incoming 707th Communication Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Mark Betters, right, outgoing 707th CS commander, stand in formation during the 707th CS change of command ceremony July 10, 2019, at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Lt. Col. Silva served as the deputy commander of the 707th CS for the past two years before becoming the commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gerald R. Willis)  

MD, UNITED STATES

07.10.2019

Story by Senior Airman Gerald Willis  

70th ISR Wing

The 707th Communications Squadron said farewell to a friend and leader, Lt. Col. Mark Betters, outgoing 707th CS commander, and welcomed a familiar face as Lt. Col. Stephanie Silva, former 707th CS deputy commander, assumed command of the squadron, July 10.
Col. Curtis Madeley, 707th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, presided over the ceremony here.
The 707th CS mission includes computer network operations as well as manufacturing and installing communications intelligence equipment for signals intelligence missions worldwide. The Airmen assigned to the squadron are the enablers that allow intelligence to flow by providing the communication infrastructure and systems for Air Force National-Tactical Integration and expeditionary signals intelligence, as well as the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, all of which focus on providing the ultimate in combat intelligence to deployed warfighters.
“Mark [Betters] has taken this squadron to new heights, and accomplished more than we thought possible as the commander; we are sad to see him go,” said Madeley. “I do not think we could have found a better replacement than Stephanie [Silva] though; she has shown her dedication to this squadron, and we know we can expect more great things from the 707th CS.”
Betters leaves the 707th CS to become the U.S. Cyber Command Joint Operations Center battle captain after two years as the squadron’s commander – his family first, mission always leadership will be missed.
“Lt. Col. Betters is a huge family man, and he has treated the Airmen of the 707th CS as part of his family every day,” said 2nd Lt. Corey Barlow, 707th CS Commanders Support Staff section commander. “It was truly an awesome experience to work in this squadron and learn from him.”
Betters is known for his leadership and guidance, which can also be seen in the new 707th CS commander. Silva served alongside Betters as his deputy commander for two years.
“I have to thank Lt. Col. Betters for his leadership over the past two years – I have huge shoes to fill,” Silva said. “Our Airmen are proud to be ‘Thunder Warriors’ and that is due to [his] leadership. I will work hard every day to keep that spirit and ensure our Airmen are taken care of.”
“Welcome” to the Mighty 70th Lt. Col. Silva!

• Date Taken: 07.10.2019
• Date Posted: 07.16.2019 15:35
• Story ID: 331632
• Location: MD, US