Novak takes command of 123rd Intelligence Squadron

Photo By Senior Airman Cody Martin | Col. Robert Kinney, commander of the 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, takes the guidon from Lt. Col. Sonny Stefancic, deputy commander of the 188th ISRG, after Stefancic relinquished command of the 123rd Intelligence Squadron Feb. 11, 2016, during a change of command ceremony at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Ark. Lt. Col. Robert Novak, right, became the new commander of the 123rd IS. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Cody Martin/Released)  

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, UNITED STATES

02.09.2016

Story by Senior Airman Cody Martin 

188th Wing

EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. – Lt. Col. Robert Novak took command of the 123rd Intelligence Squadron from Lt. Col. Sonny Stefancic during a formal change of command ceremony here Feb. 9, 2016.
Novak takes over for Stefancic was tapped to assume the role of deputy commander of the 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group.
“It was my absolute honor to be the commander of the 123rd Intelligence Squadron,” said Stefancic. “It gives me great comfort to hand this outstanding squadron over to my friend.”
Novak takes command of a squadron heavily involved in combat operations overseas. The 123rd conducted over 400 missions overseas in 2015 including more than 4,500 hours of video exploitation on 400-plus targets, creating over 1,700 intelligence products.
“Lt. Col. Stefancic did an outstanding job during his tenure as 123rd commander and I have full confidence he will excel in his new role,” said Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. “Lt. Col. Novak is a superb leader and I have no doubt he will continue the 123rd’s exceptional track record of providing amazing support to the warfighters.”
Prior to assuming command of the 123rd, Novak was the director of operations for the 188th Intelligence Support Squadron, which is responsible for all system maintenance on the AN/GSQ-272 “SENTINEL” weapon system at distributed ground station-Arkansas (DGS-AR) as part of the Air Force’s distributed common ground system (DCGS).
Col. Robert Kinney, commander of the 188th ISRG, opened the change of command ceremony by expressing what command means to the military.
“The great thing about command is the opportunity to lead, shape, mold and mentor,” Kinney stated. “As we convert this unit to ISR, remotely piloted aircraft and space targeting missions, it is incumbent we surround ourselves with the right people.”
Novak expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the 123rd during the 188th Wing’s on-going mission conversion, which is the most complex in unit history. The 123rd, formerly a geographically separated unit, moved under the 188th Wing as a part of this conversion.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be here today,” said Novak. “There are a lot of challenges ahead of us. This conversion will not be easy, but I look forward to serving with you and for you, and the successes that we will enjoy together.”

• Date Taken: 02.09.2016
• Date Posted: 06.16.2016 11:39
• Story ID: 201378
• Location: FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, US