CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Members of the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), U.S. Army senior leaders and distinguished guests, including representatives from partner nations, recently gathered for a change of command ceremony at the Center, July 26.
Col. Sean F. Stinchon, who previously served as the Deputy Director of the Combined Joint Intelligence Directorate, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, United States Forces -- Afghanistan, assumed command of the NGIC from Col. Dana Rucinski.
As the presiding official Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, INSCOM commanding general, spoke of the many NGIC accomplishments achieved under Rucinski and welcomed the new commander and his family to the Center.
"NGIC is extremely fortunate to have been led by Dana, a military leader whose extraordinary insight into the Army's future requirements has established NGIC as the crown jewel of the intelligence community (IC) and we're proud you're a part of INSCOM," Johnston said.
For the last two years Rucinski has guided NGIC through the most difficult intelligence challenges facing the Army, all while setting the example of selfless service and uncompromised dedication to the mission.
"Because of Dana's leadership and the competent workforce charged with the Nation's most critical missions, NGIC will not miss a beat in this transition," Johnston said. "Dana, thank you for all you and your team have accomplished."
According to Johnston, transition is a part of military life made easier by the competent leaders who are well-equipped to handle the daily challenges of command.
"Sean, you are the right officer to lead and continue the intelligence legacy of this organization," Johnston said. "NGIC, you are the premier organization in the IC and I encourage you to keep doing the great work you do each day."
In her farewell speech, Rucinski, who is moving on to The National Reconnaissance Office, thanked the NGIC team for their support to the mission of saving Soldiers' lives and protecting the homeland.
"General Johnston, I appreciate the trust and confidence you have in me and the mentorship and wise counsel you've provided during my command," Rucinski said. "NGIC team, you all are warfighters -- what you do, regardless of your role, is critical to the national intelligence missions. The Center is known as the National treasure because of your in-depth expertise and knowledge of the world's most complex and complicated problems. Thank you for what you do to protect the homeland."
During Stinchon's remarks, he thanked Rucinski for her service and said that he looks forward to the opportunity of serving alongside the NGIC workforce.
"I'm one of the lucky ones because I have the opportunity to take the baton from an outstanding officer and leader who has done so much for this organization," Stinchon said. "Thank you for all you have done for NGIC, and I wish you and your family all the best as you transition to your next assignment."
"NGIC is a great organization that has a mission vital to the U.S. Army," Stinchon said, "but it's the people that made the difference".
"I'm proud to serve alongside each and every one of you as we do our part to protect our homeland against emerging and prolific threats," Stinchon said. "This mission is vital to the Army and to our national interests, and I'm confident that NGIC is the best in the business."
Located on Rivanna Station, Charlottesville, Virginia, with approximately 2,500 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors, NGIC provides all-source and foundational geospatial intelligence on foreign ground force capabilities and related military technologies while integrating with mission partners to ensure the U.S. Army, DoD, Joint, and National-level decision makers maintain decision advantage to protect U.S. interests at home and abroad in support of Army, Joint, and Coalition Commands and the U.S. Intelligence Community.
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