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Stone assumes command of 363d ISR Wing

  • Published
  • By Robert Mehal
  • 363d ISR Wing Public Affairs

The 363d Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing conducted an assumption of command ceremony here, May 30.

 

Maj. Gen. Mary F. O’Brien, Twenty-Fifth Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony where Col. Melissa A. Stone assumed command of the wing. 

 

During her comments to the audience, O’Brien stated over the past two years, the Airmen of the 363d ISR Wing have been absolutely outstanding and that she had every reason to expect they would maintain that momentum.

 

“That's why I'm very excited to introduce the next commander of the 363d ISR Wing to you, Col. Melissa Stone. She's exactly the right leader to continue the 363d's tradition of solving our toughest ISR problems,” O’Brien said.

 

Stone received her commission through the United States Air Force Academy in May 1998, and most recently was the vice commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

 

A career intelligence officer, Stone has held operational assignments in signals intelligence, information operations, analysis and Distributed Common Ground System training, and has deployed in support of several operations. Additionally, she has served congressional affairs roles for Air Force Space Command and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and completed a Legislative Fellowship on Capitol Hill. Stone also served as assistant director of operations for the White House Situation Room within the National Security Council, and commanded the 35th Intelligence Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

 

“My grandfather, then Col. John Dyas, commanded this very wing in the mid-1950s, when it was the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. I’m wearing his eagles today and am proud to continue this Air Force story,” Stone said. “Lions, I’m honored to be your leader and teammate, and can’t wait to continue your strong legacy.”

 

Stone is now the third commander to lead the 363d ISR Wing.