70th ISRW leadership convene for Fall 2023 SLS

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Iinuma
  • 70th ISR Wing Public Affairs
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. --  The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing 2023 Fall Senior Leadership Summit gathered command teams from various units with an air of anticipation and camaraderie at Fort Meade, Aug. 8-10. Over the past few months, the wing has witnessed significant turnover among its leaders, making this SLS a pivotal event in forging new connections and fostering innovative strategies.

“The summit, which spans several days, presents a unique opportunity for senior leaders to collaboratively build readiness, enhance resilience, and achieve results that will enable the 70th ISR Wing to not only inform joint strategy, but safeguard the nation,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Celina E. Noyes, 70th ISRW commander.

The 70th ISRW, also known as the Roosters, produces, provides, and enables strategic to tactical signals intelligence and cyberspace security efforts to meet national, combatant command and Air Force requirements. At the heart of this year's SLS lies the central theme of encouraging crosstalk and brainstorming sessions to formulate cohesive and effective wing strategies moving forward.

"In this ever-evolving landscape, forging connections is paramount," said Noyes. "By the end of this SLS, if each attendee departs with new contacts that they can rely on to discuss mission initiatives or personnel concerns in the future, we will consider the summit a resounding success."

The summit also called upon senior leaders to set aside time for deep strategic thinking, unencumbered by day-to-day operational concerns. By empowering leaders within their units to handle routine tasks, participants can focus wholeheartedly on the discussions, contribute actively, and extract the most value from the sessions.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matteo Martemucci, Central Security Service deputy director, attended the SLS event and provided the senior leaders with insights on how leading and empowering the Airmen around them will develop effective teams within their units.

"Exercise your leadership skills, make that correction and build that team," said Martemucci. “Challenge your convictions regularly to ensure that they are correct when your autopilot is engaged."

Whether seasoned veterans or fresh faces, each attendee brings a valuable and unique viewpoint to the table. By collectively considering ways to build upon strengths, address weaknesses, mitigate threats, and seize opportunities, leaders can craft cohesive strategies that address the ever-evolving challenges faced by the wing.

"The diversity of experience and perspectives in this room is an asset," said Noyes. "As I look at the structure and processes with fresh eyes, I'm eager to contribute and collaborate on solutions that strengthen our wing."

Keeping tradition and adaptability in mind, senior leaders developed a new wing motto, ‘Roosters! Rise and Shine!’ With a lineage dating back to September 1941, the wing has continuously adapted to the demanding environment, showing the perseverance and courage needed to complete its mission. The rooster symbolizes vigilance, bravery, and standing your ground when facing any challenges.

“We have risen to consistently meet the demands of whatever mission we have been assigned and being a shining example of what right looks like while doing it,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Andrew McKendree, 70th ISRW command chief. “This is not just a new chant, it’s a representation of the Airmen in our wing and what we do every day to defend our nation.”

With a commitment to fostering connections, engaging in strategic contemplation, and active participation, these leaders were primed to conclude the summit with a harmonized vision and a fortified dedication to the wing's dynamic mission.