Alan Lynn becomes DISA Director and Commander of JFHQ-DODIN

Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronnie Hawkins Jr. transferred directorship of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and command of the Joint Force Headquarters–DOD Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN) to Army Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn in a ceremony held at agency headquarters on July 28. Hawkins, who has served as the DISA director since January 2012, will retire from active duty with 38 years of service.

DOD Chief Information Officer (CIO) Terry Halvorsen presided over the change of directorship, and Air Force Lt. Gen. James “Kevin” McLaughlin, deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, presided over the change of command.

“Ronnie has done an absolutely outstanding job as commander here.  He has set new things in motion.  I’m sure that Al is going to continue those and set his own new things in motion,” said Halvorsen. 

McLaughlin explained the JFHQ-DODIN’s critical role in protecting and defending the network and offered commendations to both Hawkins and Lynn as they prepare to take on new roles both personally and professionally.

“We are very proud of what the organization has done and it could not have happened without the leadership of the outgoing commander,” said McLaughlin.  “In this environment where we don’t have enough money or people, to stand up a brand new organization takes vision and leadership and that happened under Gen. Hawkins’ leadership.”

In his remarks, Hawkins expressed his appreciation for the workforce, shared some of the agency’s major accomplishments during his tenure, and welcomed Lynn as the new agency director and JFHQ-DODIN commander. He also thanked Lynn for his past support as the DISA vice director.

“We are going to miss being a part of DISA,” said Hawkins.  “I’ve had the best wing man that any director and commander can ask for but I’ve also had the greatest people within an organization here in DISA.  We have been champions all the way.”

Lynn expressed his good fortune to have been a part of DISA as chief of staff, vice director, and now director, and gratitude for the opportunity to lead again.

“Day and night, around the globe, you ensure the most comprehensive and robust communications and cyber support to the warfighter,” said Lynn. “We will map out our future together.”

Source: DISA