Photo By Master Sgt. Darnell Cannady | U.S. Air Force Col. Max Pearson, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance...... read more read more
Col. Scott Vickery assumed command of the 497th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group during a change of command ceremony, June 6.
Vickery will direct the operations of seven squadrons in a Total Force environment, comprising four active-duty squadrons, one Air National Guard and two Reserve squadrons, and commanding more than 1,500 personnel. The 497th ISRG’s mission is to provide analysis and report on data collected from airborne ISR platforms.
The ceremony was presided over by Col. Max Pearson, 480th ISR Wing commander, who was excited to see Vickery take the reins of the group.
“Earlier, I stated that the importance of leadership remains constant to the nature of war, and that is what we are here today to ensure – the continuity of that leadership,” Pearson said. “Vickery is an impeccable intelligence officer with astonishing credentials and frankly, a reputation among peers and subordinates that is even better.”
Vickery has served as the chief of Intelligence Systems and Capabilities Division for Headquarters Air Combat Command. In that position, he was responsible for development, testing, procurement, and sustainment of systems and tools supporting unit-level intelligence, targeting, geospatial and cyber ISR missions. As a career intelligence officer, he served in a variety of positions at the squadron, group, Numbered Air Force, major command, combatant command and national-level.
According to the new commander, he is grateful for the chance to combine his experience with the group’s capabilities.
“The opportunity to come in and work with such a group of highly-talented professionals who will drive me to up my game, and help me be a better ISR officer, leader and human being, that is a tremendous blessing,” Vickery said. “To be given the opportunity to participate in a mission of such importance, immediacy, and purpose, where most people are not impacting the battlespace the way you do… to become part of that is truly an honor and privilege.”
As Vickery begins his command, the men and women of the 497th ISRG can remain focused on their mission, knowing they have the right leader to lead them into the future.
“I am ecstatic to have you on this team and have no doubt you are the right person to take this guideon today,” said Pearson. “To you and your family, I extend my warm welcome to the 480th ISRW family and I look forward to partnering with you as we continue to ensure the success of this amazing 497th ISRG.”
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2019 16:17 |
| Story ID: | 331651 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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