Col. Ryan Skaggs relinquished command of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center’s Networked Weapons and Modeling Intelligence Group to Col. John Minear during a change of command ceremony, June 5, 2026.
The group, known as WM, is responsible for producing all-source intelligence on air, ballistic missile, modeling and simulation, and integrated Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to enable military operations, force modernization and policymaking.
Col. Kenneth Stremmel, NASIC commander, officiated the ceremony before a crowd of more than 300 personnel gathered at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
“WM, you are trading one powerhouse leader for another,” Stremmel said. “Col. Minear understands joint operations, he understands NASIC and he’s well-versed on the most pressing national security threats facing our nation. Get him up to speed and follow his lead.”
Minear, a former NASIC squadron commander, returns to the Center from U.S. Northern Command, where he served as the Intelligence Operations Division Chief. During his remarks, Minear highlighted how he routinely relied on WM’s intelligence products during his joint assignment.
“For the past three years, I have led homeland defense planning and intelligence operations for USNORTHCOM,” Minear said. “I’ve built campaign plans against our adversaries and advised the commander on options to defend the nation in times of war. I have seen the impact of the intelligence coming from this group—it is foundational to the security of our nation.”
Stremmel also praised the leadership of Skaggs, the outgoing commander, who is departing to take command of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing.
“Ryan, as you head off to your next assignment to take command of the 480th ISR Wing, I know they are getting an absolutely phenomenal leader,” Stremmel said. “I’m excited to see what you do in wing command, and I can’t wait to see the new bridges built between that awesome intel wing and NASIC.”