“As we conduct this change of command to honor these two leaders, let’s not forget that we are also honoring the performance of the 29,000 Airmen from around Twenty-Fifth Air Force,” Holmes said. “Today, I recognize the accomplishments of two great leaders who have built careers within the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance community; both really helped design and build this command, and we are grateful for and look forward to your continued teamwork and partnership. There is an exciting future for the Airmen of Twenty-Fifth Air Force.”
The Twenty-Fifth Air Force provides multisource intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products, applications and resources, to include cyber and geospatial forces and expertise. Additionally, it is the Service Cryptologic Component responsible to the National Security Agency/Central Security Service for Air Force matters involving the conduct of cryptologic activities, including the full spectrum of missions directly related to both tactical warfighting and national-level operations.
O’Brien, who was recently confirmed as the Air Force’s next deputy chief of staff for ISR and cyber effects operations, will receive her third star and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general.
“I want all of you to know it has truly been my honor to serve with you these past two years. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many outstanding, dedicated professionals who are determined to protect and defend our nation from those who would do us harm,” O’Brien said. “I know you will continue to innovate, forge new mission concepts, and create decisive effects for commanders engaged in competition and conflict with adversaries across the globe. Because of you, we are the greatest air, space and cyberspace power in the world. I will celebrate your future successes and you can count on me to be your strongest advocate.”
Haugh takes command of Twenty-Fifth Air Force after having served as the Cyber National Mission Force commander at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
“When I graduated from the last SIGNIT (signals intelligence) officer training class at Goodfellow (Air Force Base, Texas) 27 years ago, I never imagined I would be standing here, today. As a career SIGINT officer, having served in every one of the past three Twenty-Fifth Air Force predecessor organizations (AFISRA, AIA, AFIC), I have witnessed the excellence of this enterprise firsthand. I am proud to be back home, and look forward to continuing our great work together,” Haugh said.
“We are engaged in power competition with adversaries in all domains today; intelligence is the fuel that commanders require to maneuver in response. The nation expects our enterprise to be global and agile; integrated into daily combat and reconnaissance operations, and capable of quickly maneuvering capabilities to focus on emerging threats. We will expect positive, innovative leadership at all levels. We will invest in our people, train them well, allow them to excel. I am inspired by what you have accomplished, I am honored to serve with you, and I look forward to the great things we will achieve together.”
Haugh, a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, is a career intelligence officer; and has served as the U.S. Cyber Command Director of Intelligence among his many successful assignments since his 1991 commissioning.