By Informer Staff

The Kansas National Guard’s 184th Intelligence Wing dedicated its Intelligence Complex to the former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates on May 30. 

“Because of the experience gained by more than 40 years of service to this nation, Dr. Gates understands the strategic value of intelligence for our troops on the ground,” said Maj. Gen. (Kan.) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. “It is fitting that we dedicate this facility in his honor.”

Gates, a Wichita native who served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011, was selected for this honor because of his dedication to expanding intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to military forces during his tenure. Gates also served as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 1986 to 1989 and as director from 1991 to 1993.

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition and proud of the hard work of the Guard members of the 184th Intelligence Wing and their important role in keeping our nation safe,” said Gates. 

The three-building intelligence complex, located at McConnell Air Force Base, sits upon 16 acres and includes more than 68,000 square feet of administrative, training, briefing and operations space. Building 40 was completed in 2006. Modification and renovation projects on Buildings 37 and 49 were completed in January 2012. 

The complex is home to more than 350 airmen of the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Intelligence Wing, who support the U.S. Air Force Distributed Common Ground System. As part of the DCGS, airmen of the Kansas Air National Guard contribute to the production of intelligence information collected by various manned and unmanned aircraft to include the U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper and the MQ-1 Predator. 

These contributions are an important part of a globally networked weapon system currently engaged in operations including those led by United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Southern Command operations throughout the world.