Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and directorship of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO) held a change of command ceremony at the National Maritime Intelligence Center Sept. 30.
Rear Adm. Elizabeth L. Train is the second Navy flag officer to lead both ONI and the NMIO.
She previously served as director for Intelligence (J2) U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Prior to that, she served as director for Intelligence, U.S. Pacific Command.
“We are in a critical period of challenge and opportunity,” Train told the men and women of ONI. “Decisions made today will have long-term security implications. The intelligence to inform those decisions must be the very best so that we preserve our technological edge and protect our advantage over the adversary. Be bold and continue the mission.”
The NMIO change of director ceremony was presided over by Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, who praised outgoing Director Samuel J. Cox for a “phenomenal 33-year career,” which culminated in his directorship of the NMIO.
“There is simply no other organization that can focus like NMIO can on such a complex national-level mission, integrating maritime information among globally disparate maritime partners,” Clapper said.
Immediately after the close of that event, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, presided over the ONI change of command. Cox expressed his highest confidence in Train’s leadership. “I can assure the people of this command that you will be in great hands. Train is coming to ONI after a series of the toughest, most demanding jobs in military intelligence. She is tested and proven.”
ONI is the leading provider of global maritime intelligence for the U.S. Navy and other national intelligence nommunity organizations. ONI specializes in the analysis, production and dissemination of vital, timely and accurate scientific, technical, geopolitical and military intelligence for key consumers worldwide.
Born in Honolulu and raised in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, Train comes from a family of Navy leaders including her father, Adm. Harry D. Train, who served as 6th Fleet commander and commander-in chief Atlantic Fleet. Train’s grandfather, Adm. Harold C. Train, commanded USS Arizona, was director of Naval Intelligence and later commanded the 15th Naval District/Naval Coastal Frontier Panama and the Southeast Pacific Area in World War II.
[mappress] Press Release, October 02, 2013; Image: US Navy