70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing

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Gary Eddy

Patrick Mcpherson

Gary Eddy

Jason Davis

James Drummond

Dale Owens

Paul Haynes

Michael Marsula

Harold Willis

Robert Lyons

Hal (doc) Willis

George Fallon

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History of 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing

The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing (70th ISRW) traces its origins to World War II, where it was first activated as the 70th Reconnaissance Group in 1941. Throughout the decades, it evolved through multiple redesignations and mission changes, reflecting the growing importance of signals intelligence and modern ISR operations. Reactivated and assigned to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency in 2000, the wing is headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Today, the 70th ISRW serves as the "cryptologic wing" of the U.S. Air Force, providing vital signals intelligence to national decision-makers and combatant commanders worldwide.

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ABOUT 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing

Origins in World War II: The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing (70th ISRW) traces its lineage back to the 70th Reconnaissance Group, which was activated in 1941 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
"America's Cryptologic Wing": The 70th ISRW is known as "America’s Cryptologic Wing" due to its central role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptologic operations for the U.S. Air Force.
Based at Fort Meade: The wing is headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, placing it close to the National Security Agency (NSA), with which it works closely.
Global Reach: The 70th ISRW operates multiple groups and squadrons located around the world, including in Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Alaska, and Germany, reflecting its worldwide intelligence mission.
Reactivation for a New Era: After several inactivations and redesignations, the wing was reactivated in 2000 to address the growing need for modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Support to National and Combatant Commanders: The wing provides critical intelligence support not only to Air Force operations, but also to U.S. national decision makers and combatant commanders across the globe.
Role in Cyber Operations: The 70th ISRW is a key player in cyber operations, contributing to defensive and offensive cyber missions, and integrating cyber intelligence into broader military operations.
Decorated Unit: The wing and its predecessor units have earned numerous awards, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and campaign streamers for actions in World War II.
Multi-Service Integration: The 70th ISRW frequently works in a joint environment, collaborating with intelligence personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations.
Emphasis on Innovation: The wing leads in developing and implementing advanced analytical tools, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to process vast quantities of intelligence data.