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Easley takes command of 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron

  • Published
  • By Maj Heath Allen
  • 188th Wing
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  Lt. Col. John C. Easley was the last to march from formation following the inactivation of the 188th Maintenance Group and its subordinate units during the newly redesignated 188th Wing's Conversion Day ceremony June 7, 2014. Easley, a lifelong maintainer both as an enlisted Airman and commissioned maintenance officer, said it was an emotional moment as he marched off the floor as the commander of troops in the final 188th Maintenance Group formation.

"For me the day was a roller coaster of emotion," Easley said. "I started the ceremony standing in the last 188th Maintenance Group formation and I was the last member marching off the hangar floor with tears in my eyes after hearing [former 188th Maintenance Group commander] Lt. Col. Anderson Neal reporting 100 percent fully mission capable and giving the final salute."

Those sentiments were bittersweet for Easley, who had to set those feelings aside for a new task as the first commander of the newly activated 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron. Easley assumed command of the 223rd during the ceremony.

"This feeling was quickly replaced with pride as I stepped in formation leading the 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron onto the floor, answering the first call to report and assuming command," Easley said. "These were moments which built with great anticipation, and passed by in a flash."

Easley served as the 188th Maintenance Group deputy commander for the last two years and has been in maintenance since he joined the active duty Air Force in 1985. Easley was also an enlisted armament systems specialist and airborne gunner during assignments at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

As the 223rd's inaugural commander, Easley will lead 50 dedicated Airmen. The 223rd's primary mission will feature the development and training of cyber systems professionals. The squadron will also provide critical cyberspace and communication services for the 188th Wing's global and state missions.

The 223rd will furnish operational ready communications equipment and personnel in support of the daily operations of the new 188th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group to include voice, network, computer, and data communications. The 223rd will supply communications equipment capable for Intelligence professionals to create decision quality actionable intelligence of high value to air, ground, and naval force component commanders, around the world.

Easley has deployed in support of Operations Decisive Edge, Southern Watch, and Katrina. He deployed twice in support Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as the commander of Detachment 1, 8th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the officer in charge of the 455th A-10 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron respectively.

"Lt. Col. Easley is an outstanding officer with an exceptional leadership skillset," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander. "I have no doubt that he will help lead us to our objective of being a reconnaissance center of excellence."

Easley takes command of 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron

  • Published
  • By Maj Heath Allen
  • 188th Wing
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  Lt. Col. John C. Easley was the last to march from formation following the inactivation of the 188th Maintenance Group and its subordinate units during the newly redesignated 188th Wing's Conversion Day ceremony June 7, 2014. Easley, a lifelong maintainer both as an enlisted Airman and commissioned maintenance officer, said it was an emotional moment as he marched off the floor as the commander of troops in the final 188th Maintenance Group formation.

"For me the day was a roller coaster of emotion," Easley said. "I started the ceremony standing in the last 188th Maintenance Group formation and I was the last member marching off the hangar floor with tears in my eyes after hearing [former 188th Maintenance Group commander] Lt. Col. Anderson Neal reporting 100 percent fully mission capable and giving the final salute."

Those sentiments were bittersweet for Easley, who had to set those feelings aside for a new task as the first commander of the newly activated 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron. Easley assumed command of the 223rd during the ceremony.

"This feeling was quickly replaced with pride as I stepped in formation leading the 223rd Intelligence Support Squadron onto the floor, answering the first call to report and assuming command," Easley said. "These were moments which built with great anticipation, and passed by in a flash."

Easley served as the 188th Maintenance Group deputy commander for the last two years and has been in maintenance since he joined the active duty Air Force in 1985. Easley was also an enlisted armament systems specialist and airborne gunner during assignments at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

As the 223rd's inaugural commander, Easley will lead 50 dedicated Airmen. The 223rd's primary mission will feature the development and training of cyber systems professionals. The squadron will also provide critical cyberspace and communication services for the 188th Wing's global and state missions.

The 223rd will furnish operational ready communications equipment and personnel in support of the daily operations of the new 188th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group to include voice, network, computer, and data communications. The 223rd will supply communications equipment capable for Intelligence professionals to create decision quality actionable intelligence of high value to air, ground, and naval force component commanders, around the world.

Easley has deployed in support of Operations Decisive Edge, Southern Watch, and Katrina. He deployed twice in support Operation Enduring Freedom where he served as the commander of Detachment 1, 8th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the officer in charge of the 455th A-10 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron respectively.

"Lt. Col. Easley is an outstanding officer with an exceptional leadership skillset," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander. "I have no doubt that he will help lead us to our objective of being a reconnaissance center of excellence."