Our speaker for the November 20th meeting was Colonel Max Pearson, the commander of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Col Pearson directs the worldwide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations of six ISR groups providing world-class ISR to combatant commanders and Combined Forces Air Component commanders, Numbered Air Force commanders and coalition forces. He is responsible for approximately 6,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and a total enterprise valued at more than $5 billion. He is a native of northern Minnesota and has served in various positions stateside and overseas in analysis and ISR operations. He deployed as an ISR Planner in the Air Operations Center during the opening months of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, as a collection manager supporting operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and as the Senior DGS Liaison Officer. Colonel Pearson began his remarks by expressing his gratitude for the service and sacrifices of our Veterans with us for lunch this month. Next, he provided a brief overview of ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). The improvements are focused on integrating a myriad of intelligence disciplines and capabilities to solve lines-of-effort as dictated by authorities and warfighters -- striking a balance between platforms, analysis, and priority problem sets. The mission of the 480th ISRW is far reaching and we very much appreciated Col Pearson's update.

A Closer Look at Our New Community Partner ...
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