73rd ISRS activates Det. 6, Roosters become Space Hunters

Photo By Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis | U.S. Space Force Capt. Kelly Kroupa, commander Det. 6, 73rd ISRS, smiles after completion of a virtual assumption of command ceremony Nov. 19, 2020, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)  

UNITED STATES

11.19.2020

Story by Staff Sgt. Gerald Willis  

70th ISR Wing

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md – Recently, Airmen from the 7th Intelligence Squadron transitioned to the 73rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron and activated Detachment 6 as part of the realignment under the Department of Defense’s newest branch, the U.S. Space Force.
The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing has played a crucial role in standing up the U.S. Space Force ISR Delta (Delta 7) by providing skilled Cryptologic Airmen to the newest branch’s ranks.
“Today, we come together to start a new beginning; the activation of United States Space Force’s newest detachment,” said, Lt. Col Nathaniel Peace, commander 73rd ISRS. “On rare occasions Airmen have the opportunity to witness an activation of a Detachment, under a new armed force, with a first-time commander.”
Peace spoke on the attributes of Capt. Kelly Kroupa, the commander of Det. 6.
“When reviewing the records of the newly selected U.S. Air Force ISR officers selected for transfer to the U.S. Space Force,” Peace added. “It was apparent that Kelly was exactly the officer Col. [Chandler] Atwood (Delta 7 commander, U.S. Space Force) and I were looking for as detachment commander here at Det. 6.”
After the assumption of command ceremony, Capt. Kroupa was able to virtually address her detachment for the first time as commander.
“I am honored to be entrusted with leading the outstanding men and women of Det. 6. Their reputation as part of the Air Force SSG is stellar and I couldn’t ask for a more talented and dedicated group of professionals,” Kroupa said. “The U.S. military has a tremendous legacy in pushing the boundaries in innovation and capability. As we forge this new chapter as a Space Force, I will see to foster those same principles within Det. 6.”
The 70th ISRW will host Det. 6 and continue to support the ISR and Space Force counterparts. Capt. Kroupa extended her thanks to Col. Atwood and the 70th ISRW commander, Col. Brian Tyler.
“Col. Atwood, Col. Tyler, thank you so much for your support and confidence in me as I move into this new position,” Kroupa added. “Everything we do is enabled by space and cyberspace and how we continue to shape these domains as the U.S. Space Force is essential in ensuring our Nation’s security.”

• Date Taken: 11.19.2020
• Date Posted: 12.01.2020 15:57
• Story ID: 383464
• Location: US