From Cmdr. Pamela Rawe, DIA Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. – Defense Intelligence
Agency's Navy Element held a change of command ceremony January 30, at DIA's
headquarters on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Capt. Peter N. Shepard, from Reston, Virginia, relieved Capt. Joshua C. Himes in a
ceremony presided over by DIA Director Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley.
"Both these Sailors have had incredible careers, which
have taken them around the world," said Ashley. "Josh will have a
lasting impression on this organizations, which really is what it’s all
about. I’ve appreciated the maturity and
insights that Josh brings.”
The Navy Element commander is responsible for DIA Sailors
stationed throughout the world, who provide foundational intelligence products
to U.S. warfighters and policy makers. Nearly 50 percent of DIA's 16,500 civilian and
military employees are stationed outside Washington, at national intelligence
centers, combatant commands, combat zones and defense attaché offices in more
than 140 countries.
“It has been the privilege of a career to work alongside so
many outstanding Sailors, Soldiers, civilians - shipmates in short – committed
to excellence in defense of the Nation,” said Himes. Himes also attributed his success to living
by the simple truism, “Take care of your Sailors so they can take care of the
mission.”
Himes is scheduled to become the commanding officer of the U.S.
Central Command Joint Intelligence Center in Tampa, Florida.
After the
orders were read, Shepard took the opportunity to thank his predecessor and
address his new staff.
“Capt. Himes, you have set the bar high for this team and
done and awesome job,” said Shepard. “To
the DIA Navy Element, I am humbled to serve as your C-O and I look forward to
working with all of you. As I embark on
this my second tour at DIA, know that you have my respect for all of the vital
work you do wherever you may be serving.”
Shepard, most recently the director of intelligence for U.S.
Third Fleet and Deputy Maritime Operations Center Director in San Diego,
previously served at DIA in the China Military Capabilities Branch from 2008 to
2011.
DIA is a Department of Defense combat support agency designed
to produce, analyze, and disseminate military intelligence information to
combat and non-combat military missions.
DIA serves as the Nation’s primary manager and producer of foreign
military intelligence and is a central intelligence producer and manager for
the secretary of defense, the joint chiefs of staff, and the unified combatant
command.