Air Force Reserve activates intelligence squadron

by Senior Airman Adam Hamar
940th Wing Public Affairs

10/27/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Air Force Reserve Command's 10th Air Force activated the 38th Intelligence Squadron here October 26.

The 38th is one of several new intelligence squadrons standing up under the 655th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, as part of AFRC's latest reserve Intel transformation initiative.

"It is incredibly humbling for me to be associated with the 38th IS, and I am proud to say that Americans downrange are safe because of them," said Lt. Col. Robert Garcia, newly appointed squadron commander.

Garcia recounted a story about a Marine on patrol, killed in Vietnam who might still be here today, if they had better intelligence. The Marine was Garcia's older brother.

"The work you do is important," Garcia stated to the members of the 38th IS. "You do make a difference. Don't ever forget who you are supporting."

"He is the perfect fit," said Col Douglas Drakeley, 655th ISGR commander. "He is a true professional in his field, and I look forward to the work he will continue to do."

The 38th IS works in a joint environment with the active duty in one of five Distributed Common Ground Systems, the premier intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance weapon system.

Each DCGS receives data from aircraft operating anywhere in the world, such as the U-2 Dragonlady or RQ-4 Global Hawk based here. The data is then analyzed and disseminated in real time to combatant commanders worldwide.

"I want to say how proud I am of the men and women of the 38th IS," said Garcia. "There is nowhere else I would rather be, than right here, right now, with this amazing team."