Annapolis-based Maryland National Guard unit changes command

Photo By Maj. Aaron Testa | ANNAPOLIS, Md., - Lt. Col. Kristine Henry holds the unit colors while the order is read placing her in command of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 110th Information Operations Battalion at the Annapolis Readiness Center March 11, 2017. The passing of the colors is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the transfer of the higher headquarters commander’s trust from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander, as well as the transfer of responsibility for the unit and its soldiers. Henry took over command of the unit from Lt. Col. Daniel S. Williams (left) during a ceremony hosted by the commander of the 58th Military Intelligence Brigade, Col. Brian T. Connelly (second from right). (Photo by Capt. Aaron Testa)  

ANNAPOLIS, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES

03.14.2017

Story by Capt. Aaron Testa 

110th Information Operations Battalion

Lt. Col. Kristine Henry assumed command of the 110th Information Operations Battalion from Lt. Col. Daniel Williams, during a change of command ceremony at the Maryland National Guard’s Annapolis Readiness Center March 11, 2017.

Presiding over the day’s event was Col. Brian Connelly, the commander of the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, the higher headquarters for the 110th Information Operations Battalion. He shared his thoughts about the quality of the battalion’s soldiers and the privilege for Henry to join a unit like the 110th.

“None of the soldiers before you started their career in information operations,” Connelly said speaking to Henry, “They all mastered their fields in intelligence, targeting, communications and a myriad of other specialties before they had the privilege to join this unit. They’re best described as orchestra conductors—coordinating, synchronizing and deconflicting all of the various elements of information operations throughout the battlespace.”

Information operations is a complex and constantly evolving field. Connelly defines information operations as “the integrated employment of electronic warfare, computer network operations, psychological operations, military deception and operations security.”

The honor to lead a unit like this is not lost on the incoming commander. Henry believes the unit is postured to remain active and relevant against enemies now and in the future, both abroad and domestic.

This bright future is thanks in part to the leadership of outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Dan Williams. When Williams took command 26 months ago, his top priority was to make the unit ready to respond to any mission.

“I wanted to make sure we were ready for any type of action we might see,” said Williams. “That means being ready to defend Baltimore when the governor calls or move the Governor around, which was our mission during Blizzard Jonas.”

While fulfilling these domestic missions, the unit maintained its overseas deployment to the Horn of Africa for the past two years.

The unit has also established itself as a leader in the field of information operations by providing training courses at the Army’s Information Operations Qualification Course.

“I feel like we have achieved what I set out to achieve: be ready for any mission, foreign or domestic,” said Williams.

During the ceremony, Henry recognized Williams for his contributions and congratulated him on the unit’s success under his leadership.

“You have brought this unit to the next phase in its evolution,” said Henry. “I am excited to see what the future will bring.”

The 110th Information Operations Battalion provides trained, deployable, culturally aware and regionally focused information operations soldiers to support the Army mission here at home and around the world.

The unit regularly deploys small, highly specialized teams to places like Djibouti and Afghanistan. Leaders expect the unit to increase its role in the cyber domain, supporting combatant commands in global operations as well as the state of Maryland during domestic operations.

According to Williams, information operations is becoming more important than ever with reports of foreign involvement in our recent election and the cyber field becoming an official Army branch.

“We are seeing an influence across the board,” said Williams. “Public affairs, civil affairs, cyber operations … all the information-related capabilities matter and this unit is more in need now than ever before.”

For more information about the 110th Information Operations Battalion, to learn how to become a part of the unit, or for any interview requests, please contact Capt. Aaron Testa, Public Affairs Officer for the unit at [e-mail] or [phone].

• Date Taken: 03.14.2017
• Date Posted: 03.14.2017 16:14
• Story ID: 226818
• Location: ANNAPOLIS, ALABAMA, US