San Antonio, TX: Air Force ISR Agency becomes 25th Air Force
On September 29, 2014, the U.S. Air Force restructured its intelligence agency into the Twenty-Fifth Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas. It now provides ISR capabilities, cyber and geospatial expertise, and serves as the cryptologic component for the NSA.
Background
Event Overview
On September 29, 2014, during a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency was redesignated as the Twenty-Fifth Air Force under Air Combat Command. This restructuring aligned the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, and the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, under the new numbered air force.
Key Details and Mission
The primary role involves delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products, including cyber operations and geospatial resources. It acts as the service cryptologic component accountable to the National Security Agency and Central Security Service for Air Force cryptographic tasks. Headquartered at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, it enhances operational effectiveness for ISR within the Air Force.
Involved Personnel
Gen. Mike Hostage, Air Combat Command commander, officiated the ceremony, emphasizing streamlined ISR delivery. Maj. Gen. Jack Shanahan, prior AFISRA leader since June 2013, assumed command of the 25th Air Force. Lt. Gen. Robert Otto and Command Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman participated in furling the old flag.
Significance
This reorganization, announced in July 2014 amid cost-saving efforts, created a unified ISR structure to better support combatant commanders, marking a historic first with a four-star leader for Air Force ISR.