MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- 
The 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, celebrated the historic activation of its newest organization, the 129th Intelligence Squadron (IS), during a ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 31, 2025.
During the ceremony, the 129th IS’s activation was preceded by the deactivation of the 184th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), a squadron that had been in service since 2008.
The presiding official for both portions of the ceremony was Col. Christopher Hogan, commander of the 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG).
Farewell to the 184th Operations Support Squadron
Chief Master Sgt. Lovegrove, senior enlisted leader of the 184th OSS, delivered remarks to honor his squadron’s exemplary history.
“When I was asked to speak about the history of the 184th OSS, I had a bittersweet feeling,” said Lovegrove. “On one hand, I would be able to tell the story of all the accomplishments of the Airmen of the OSS, and there have been many, but it would also bring to a close the end of an era, the end of the 184th Operations Support Squadron.”
The 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, celebrated the exemplary service, achievements, and contributions of the 184th Operations Support Squadron during a deactivation ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 31, 2025. During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. James Lovegrove, senior enlisted leader of the 184th OSS, told the unit’s history, which began in 2008, and bid the squadron farewell. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)
Lovegrove described the origins of the 184th OSS and its role in the 184th ISRG.
He also mentioned notable alumni who moved beyond the squadron to assume strategic roles in the 184th Wing and the Air National Guard.
Among the noteworthy personnel were Maj. Gen. Michael Venerdi, adjutant general of the Kansas National Guard and former commander of the 184th Wing; Col. Joe Deeds, deputy commander of the 184th Wing; Col. Christopher Hogan, commander of the 184th ISRG; and Chief Master Sgt. Billy Stacey, retired command chief of the 184th Wing and Kansas Air National Guard.
The 184th OSS produced other prominent leaders who served in many capacities throughout the 184th Wing and the Air National Guard.
“Simply said, the 184th OSS has had a rich history of producing leaders,” said Lovegrove.
Lovegrove reflected on the operational support, leadership development, challenges, and innovations that came from the squadron.
“To the members of the new 129th Intelligence Squadron, I’m excited to see you meet the standards set by the OSS as you prepare to win the great power conflict,” said Lovegrove. “Fairwell OSS.”
The 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, celebrated the exemplary service, achievements, and contributions of the 184th Operations Support Squadron during a deactivation ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 31, 2025. Col. Christopher Hogan, commander of the 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, and Lt. Col. David Olds, commander of the 184th OSS, retired the squadron’s guidon, marking the end of its long and faithful service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)
Welcome, 129th Intelligence Squadron
Lt. Col. David Olds, commander of the 129th IS, thanked his Airmen for the significant achievements and contributions of the 184th OSS, and welcomed a new era of intelligence operations.
“Today’s activation marks a significant milestone in [our] history book,” said Olds. “Today is not just about a name change. Today we operationalize multiple efforts to become a more lethal force within our intelligence tradecraft, while expanding upon multiple efforts to coordinate operations not only within the wing, but across the joint force.”
The 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, celebrated the activation of the 129th Intelligence Squadron during a ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 31, 2025. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. David Olds expressed his gratitude for the Airmen assigned to the 184th Operations Support Squadron, and pointed those same Airmen to the future of the 129th IS. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)
As an operational squadron, the unit required a change in numerical designation, and according to Olds, the number 129 seemed like a perfect fit.
“Many have asked how we arrived at the number ‘129’ for the squadron designation,” said Olds. “Though there were many proposals, the 129th just clicked, almost as if it was meant to be.
“The number ‘129’ was selected for its historical significance to our great state – ‘1’ being the first month of the year, January, and ‘29’ being Kansas Day, every January 29th. A day 164 years ago, in 1861, when Kansas became the 34th state.
“In a display of perfect timing, our Joint Forces Headquarters in Topeka received and signed the official paperwork for our activation on the 29th of January this year … again, almost like it was meant to be.”
Olds went on to say that no matter how the mission has evolved over the years, one thing remained a constant and has stood the test of time, “Our amazing Airmen.”
“Years ago, a past commander made a remark that has stuck with me and absolutely holds true to today,” said Olds. “We were once an organization that valued material things, our shinny objects of sorts. That used to be 66 F-16’s on the ramp, and later 10 B-1b’s and so on. Mission changes forced us to re-evaluate just what we really value.
“The shinny objects of this squadron, the group and the wing are all of you, our Airmen … always has been, always will be. We’ve heavily invested in Airman tenacity and have yet to be let down.”
The 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, celebrated the activation of the 129th Intelligence Squadron during a ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 31, 2025. During the ceremony, Col. Christopher Hogan, commander of the 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group; and Lt. Col. David Olds unfurled the squadron’s guidon. Hogan then passed the guidon to Olds, making him the first commander of the 129th IS. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)
Olds gave examples of considerable successes of the Airmen assigned to the 184th OSS, and gave charge to those same Airmen, now assigned to the 129th IS.
“We are more lethal, ready and resilient today because of all of your efforts,” said Olds. “Make no mistake about it, we lead the way, all of us, and America is counting on us.
“… let’s move forward with confidence, determination and unity of effort, continuing our legacy of success and knowing we are part of something greater than ourselves. A commitment to our country, the great state of Kansas, our mission, and each other.”