JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. -- The Joint Air Defense Operations Center based here welcomed new leadership Nov. 9, 2023, when U.S. Army Col. Ryan Price assumed command from U.S. Army Col. Jeremy Davis.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command commander presided over the ceremony.
Price now serves as the commander of Task Force Bulldog, responsible for defending the airspace above the nation's capital and overseeing the National Capital Region Integrated Air Defense System.
Price expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead and serve alongside the dedicated individuals involved in this mission.
“I am honored and thankful for this opportunity to lead and serve alongside these fine Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and industry partners,” he said. “On behalf of Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Morgan and our entire team of leaders, rest assured the magnitude and gravity of this no-fail mission is not lost upon us.”
The ceremony, attended by several senior officers and civilian personnel, underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the defense of the National Capital Region. Its significance also coincided with the broader mission of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, the name given to all North American Aerospace Defense Command aerospace warning, control and defense missions in North America. Established in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, ONE continues to be a critical component of national security.
Price's leadership of Task Force Bulldog and the JADOC aligns closely with the overarching objectives of Operation Noble Eagle, emphasizing the continued commitment to defending the nation's capital and mainland from potential threats. Additionally, Price took the opportunity to commend the outgoing leadership of Task Force Atlas, acknowledging their professionalism and achievements during the transition process.
“You and your staff have been nothing but professional and hospitable throughout the transition process,” Price said. “Your lengthy list of accomplishments speaks volumes and highlights the professionalism, can-do attitude, and selfless servant-leadership of your team. My hat is off to you, Task Force Atlas, the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and to the Florida Army National Guard. Thank you [and] job well done.”
The JADOC’s mission is to provide command and control for the NORAD ground-based fully integrated, multi-layered air and missile defense in the National Capital Region. They command a network of sensor, missile system and communications assets on 24/7 continual alert. The operations center is the heart of a sophisticated air defense system that incorporates fighter aircraft and air defense artillery units on constant alert around the Washington, D.C., area.
The JADOC is comprised of mobilized Army National Guardsmen and permanent party New York Air National Guardsmen, as well as DoD civilian and contractor personnel. JADOC, which has been a tenant of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling since 2003, has had several National Guard units rotate into the NCR over the years to serve in defense of the nation’s capital, as well as its other integrated air defense system partners.