OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 595th Command and Control Group and the National Airborne Operations Center held a change of command ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Aug. 16, 2024.
Col. Patrick Hook assumed command from Col. David Leaumont in a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander.
“Here stand two great leaders,” said Armagost. “The responsibility that falls upon NAOC and 595th service members and their leaders is monumental. As a major component within our nation’s nuclear enterprise, I can attest that these professional units have excelled in their roles, and I am confident in their ability to continue to do so.”
The 595th C2G aligns under Eighth Air Force and is comprised of four squadrons: 1st Airborne Command & Control Squadron, 595th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 595th Strategic Communications Squadron, and 625th Strategic Operations Squadron.
The NAOC group-equivalent, joint organization provides three battlestaff teams and aligns under U.S. Strategic Command and the Joint Staff. Combined, the 595th C2G and NAOC battlestaff operate the E-4B, which provide a highly-survivable, command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces. They also execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions with civil authorities in case of national emergency.
“It is an immense privilege to lead two groups of such vital importance to our nation,” said Hook. “Tasked every hour of every day, the men and women of the NAOC and 595th are renowned for their tenacity and skill. They serve in a dynamic, inherently joint environment to maintain ‘the watch’ and fulfill an array of no-fail missions foundational to nuclear deterrence and national security. Returning to where I served at the squadron level makes it even more special. I am grateful to Colonel Leaumont, and his predecessors for their superb leadership.”
Hook previously served as U.S. Strategic Command liaison officer to U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and U.S. Southern Command.
Leaumont leaves the 595th to serve within U.S. Strategic Command staff.
“It has been an honor to serve both NAOC and the 595th C2G for the past 2 years,” said Leaumont. “The mission of these two groups is to assure nuclear command, control, and communications for the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman, and we have done this through multiple means. The 24/7/365 missions these Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Guardians perform assures our allies and deters potential adversaries by their persistence and ingenuity. I look forward to seeing to what new heights Colonel Hook leads these two groups.”