The National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base

Wright Patterson Air Force Base is often in the news locally. And for good reason: WPAFB is an economic engine that has a significant impact on the entire state of Ohio. In fact, Wright Patt is the largest single-site employer in the state. The work at Wright-Patt today, will give our Armed Forces a strategic advantage on the battlefields of tomorrow. I sought a seat on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) because WPAFB is such a driving force in our community.

When local news outlets run stories about WPAFB, references to any number of acronyms, organizations within Wright Patt, or other vague military terms, may be used but not explained in full detail. As part of this weekly column I will occasionally write about various aspects of Wright Patterson Air Force Base to help better explain the base, its mission, and the organizations that are either part of the base or on the base. NASIC - The National Air and Space Intelligence Center, is my focus this week.

NASIC is actually a tenant at WPAFB. Today there are approximately 1,800 personnel assigned to NASIC, of which about 60% are civilians. Your neighbors and friends employed at NASIC work diligently to keep our country safe, and respond to emerging threats.

NASIC's history in the region dates back to 1917 at McCook Field in Dayton. NASIC traces its scientific and technological intelligence (S&TI) heritage back to the Foreign Data Section of the U.S. Army Signal Corps' Airplane Engineering Department. The S&TI mission of the Center transferred to several organizations over the years, before being placed under the Air Force Command's Foreign Technology Division in 1961. The unit underwent several name changes until 2001 when it was renamed the Air Intelligence Agency and then became the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) in 2003 to reflect significant enhancements within its space intelligence capabilities.

NASIC is the source of air and space intelligence for the Department of Defense (DoD). It is the Air Force's sole analysis and production center for foreign air and space intelligence. NASIC assesses current and projected foreign air and space forces, capabilities, intent, and employment. NASIC continually evaluates the developing air and space technologies of U.S. adversaries and potential threats. These analyses are provided to our military engineers to ensure the new weapon systems being developed and fielded, such as the F/A-22, are and will remain superior to current and future threats.

NASIC's analysis plays a critical role in making sure that U.S. forces are not caught off-guard by technological surprises and can counter current and evolving foreign and air and space threats. NASIC responsibilities cover the full range of air and space systems and technologies, including: aircraft; missiles; space systems; radars; electronic and electro-optic countermeasures; command, control, communications and information systems; and integrated air defense systems.

Prior to 9-11, NASIC was known for its detailed analysis documents on foreign air and space threats. The many scientists and engineers at NASIC spent significant time analyzing known assets and developing comprehensive capability assessments of emerging threats. The entire intelligence environment changed after 9-11, forcing NASIC to still deliver these detailed assessments while also providing real time intelligence assessments 24/7. The employees at NASIC excel at both of these missions.

Analysts at NASIC provide assessments and intelligence reports that satisfy a wide range of needs. NASIC analysis directly supports national and DoD decision makers and operational military units. In the Armed Services Committee, we frequently receive briefings on current and emerging threats identified by the professional analysts at NASIC. In supporting the war fighter, NASIC provides real time targeting information to the units on the frontlines. In this way, NASIC contributes daily to the global war on terror right from our local community.

NASIC assessments are an important factor in shaping national security and defense policies. When Ronald Reagan said: "Trust but verify," perhaps he had NASIC in mind. The work NASIC does is used to support weapons treaty negotiations and verifications. The National Air and Space Intelligence Center plays a critical role in keeping U.S. military leaders apprised of missile tests and space events.

NASIC is one of the most important and valuable assets at WPAFB. And Wright Patt remains one of the most valuable and important assets in the region.

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/1.19.07.shtml