FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (June 16, 2011) -- Calling the Airmen under his new command "the finest America has to offer," Lt. Col. Michael L. Downs assumed leadership of the 707th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group on June 8.
In a change-of-command ceremony at McGlachlin Parade Field, Downs received the unit's guidon from Col. John D. Bansemer, commander of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing.
The ISRG is a subordinate of the IRSW and was led by Col. Mark L. Damiano, who steps down after two years of service.
"It is an honor to be part of your organization," Downs said to the Airmen at the ceremony. "I've had the privilege of working with many of you in the past. ... I know firsthand how exceptional you are."
The ISRW conducts and enables cryptologic operations for the Air Force, National Security Agency and Central Security Service. Through a variety of mission areas, the ISRG provides crucial intelligence to all levels of the country's national security apparatus and across the spectrum of combat operations.
In his remarks, Bansemer called Downs, who has been selected for promotion to colonel this year, "a truly exceptional leader." Bansemer praised Downs for his knowledge of the cryptologic enterprise and for his ability to lead.
"I ask that you be a good steward of our most valuable resource -- our Airmen. ... I ask that you be a servant leader who understands what taking care of Airmen is all about," Bansemer said.
Before assuming command of the 707th ISRG, Downs attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. He previously was commander of the 303rd Intelligence Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
An intelligence officer, Downs earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M;University in College Station, Texas, where he was a Reserve Officers' Training Corps distinguished graduate. He earned his commission as a second lieutenant in December 1992.
In 2004, Downs served as the director of operations, 13th Intelligence Squadron, while stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, Calif. He directed the squadron's daily Global Hawk, Predator and U-2 exploitation missions in support of operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and in the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. Downs performed the same duties for the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, one of six Unified Combatant Commands of the armed forces.
More recently, Downs served as a speechwriter for the vice chief of staff of the Air Force in Washington, D.C.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Downs called Damiano and his wife "the gold standard of sponsorship." The new commander said the couple did a remarkable job with the 707th and that it is "a privilege to follow in your footsteps."
Damiano will assume command of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.
In his farewell to the ISRG, Damiano thanked Bansemer and other senior Air Force leaders as well as his colleagues.
"I leave knowing the 707th couldn't be in better hands," Damiano said
Bansemer praised Damiano for making the 707th "a better organization than when he took command -- and it was already a good organization," he said.
Under Damiano's leadership, $1.1 million was used to upgrade the gym floor and air conditioning system at the Eagle Fitness Center. The organization also spent $3.2 million to improve the dormitories.
Bansemer also recognized the 707th's contributions to the National Security Agency's campus dining facility, The House of Five Hats. The facility was nominated as a finalist for the 2011 Hennessy Award for Excellence. The award is presented to the best food service program in the Air Force.
After the ceremony, Downs said his priorities will be to continue to take care of Airmen, support projects that improve their quality of life and work to retain them.
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