363d ISR Wing welcomes Colonel Mack and his family

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. AJ Hyatt
  • 363d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. --  U.S. Air Force Colonel Melissa Stone relinquished command of the 363d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing to U.S. Air Force Colonel Eric Mack, during a change of command ceremony, June 25, 2021 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
 
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, was the presiding officer of the ceremony.
 
Haugh had three goals for the ceremony: recognize the 363d [ISRW] leadership team of Colonel Stone, Colonel Rabe, and Chief Master Sgt. Funkhauser, introduce the new commander and to take a moment to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the 363d ISR Wing.
 
During his speech, Haugh described Stone as a strategic leader, thoughtful, problem solver and a leader focused on Airmen with an uncanny ability to move mission forward.
 
Before Stone relinquished command, she was awarded the Legion of Merit for her exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty throughout the past two years which were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force.
 
“I could not be more proud of how this Wing responded in the toughest of times,” said Stone. “To the Airmen and Guardians of the 363d ISR Wing, goodbyes are tough. Always remember that this an organization that does the right thing. Even when it is hard, uncomfortable, and unpopular. It is our character that makes us good.”
 
Following the passing of the guidon, U.S. Air Force Colonel Nathan Rabe, 363d ISR Wing vice commander, rendered Mack his first salute as the 363d ISR Wing Commander.
 
Mack first expressed his gratitude to Colonel Stone and her husband Adam.
 
“You have done amazing work advancing this Wing’s mission, while taking care of its Airmen, and simultaneously serving as a role model for taking care of your own family,” Mack said. “Corrie and I could not ask for a smoother transition to the tidewater and to taking command, and I thank you.”
 
Colonel Mack has served in a variety of ISR Operations, Intelligence Community and Special Operations positions. Prior to taking command of the 363d ISR Wing, Mack served as the 692d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group commander at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. In addition to his intelligence assignments, he also served as an Engagement and Training Officer in the Office of Defense Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon and was twice selected by the Chief of the Staff of the Air Force to serve in the World Class Athlete Program; training to compete in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials in Track and Field and the Marathon.
 
“[To the Airmen of the 363d ISR Wing] Words cannot express how excited I am to rejoin such an amazing team of professionals,” said Mack, who served as the 25th Intelligence Squadron commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla. back in June 2014. “There is no more dedicated team of Airmen in the Air Force, and that dedication has been proven repeatedly in blood. I am so humbled and excited by the opportunity to help you continue that work and ensure that we maximize the limitless potential within the 363d ISR Wing, its Airmen, and our families.”
 
As commander of the 363d ISR Wing, Mack will lead the Air Force's all-source analysis and full spectrum targeting enterprises for Combined Forces Air Component Commanders worldwide, airborne ISR for sensitive joint special operations globally, and directs ISR testing, tactics development, and advanced training for air, space, and cyber operations.