JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The newest Office of Special Investigations squadron partnered with the U.S. Navy for a memorable activation day.
That was the scenario when the OSI 6th Field Investigations Region, held an assumption of command ceremony on board the historic battleship U.S.S. Missouri at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for the standup of the 13th Field Investigations Squadron, March 30.
Maj. Michael J. Bryant, formally the Chief, 6 FIR Special Mission Branch, assumed command of the 13 FIS.
“Activating the 13 FIS is one example of OSI’s commitment to accelerate change, build new partnerships, and keep steady on the pacing threat,” said Bryant. “I am truly honored to command this unique squadron and the professionals who are dedicated to continuing to build strong relationships with our big blue ocean neighbors in pursuit of keeping the Indo-Pacific free and open.”
The mission of the 13 FIS is to foster relationships in the Indo-Pacific with key allies and mission partners, to enhance awareness of transnational criminal, terrorism, and foreign intelligence threats against Department of the Air Force and DoD assets and personnel, to inform actions ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The assumption of command is an official military tradition that confers command responsibility of a unit to the commanding officer. Deeply rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century, it’s traditionally done with unit members assembled to observe the placement of authority and responsibility onto the new commander and is symbolized through the passing of the unit's guidon flag.
"The activation of the 13 FIS reinforces OSI's commitment to elevate a readiness posture and add required capabilities to build partnerships and enhance interoperability with our allies and mission partners, with focus on combating threats in the DoD's priority theater," said Col. Ben Hatch, 6th Field Investigations Region commander, who officiated the ceremony. "It was a tremendous effort to get this squadron activated, and we've already seen some incredible results. We're excited to move the mission forward."