FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. –
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD. – Cyber National Mission Force held a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 2, 2024, here. U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Patrick T. Nunes, the outgoing CNMF senior enlisted leader, relinquished responsibility to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald V. Krause, the incoming CNMF SEL.
A change of responsibility ceremony is a formal military event that marks the transfer of leadership between senior enlisted leaders. During this ceremony, the outgoing leader relinquishes the command’s guidon, symbolizing the transfer of their position and assumption of responsibility to maintain the command’s order and morale.
CNMF commander Maj. Gen. Lorna M. Mahlock opened the ceremony by praising Chief Master Sgt. Nunes for his exceptional leadership. "Chief Nunes has been an unflappable leader and strategic thinker focused on taking care of people and the mission" Mahlock said. "His passion for talent management and delivering outcomes has been instrumental in shaping this force. He was the right leader at the right time and place for CNMF."
Nunes reflected on his tenure with gratitude and pride. "This ceremony marks another stage in the professionalism and maturation of the Cyber National Mission Force," he said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to have served as the senior enlisted leader for this incredible organization. Our people always find a way to win, and you should be proud of what you're doing to Defend the Nation."
He added, "This unit carries the weight of a truly no-fail mission, but there is no problem I've seen that is insurmountable for this organization and its people. It has been the honor of my career to serve alongside you all."
Turning to the incoming command SEL, Maj. Gen. Mahlock expressed confidence in Krause's abilities. "Command Sgt. Maj. Krause brings the best the Army has to offer. He brings a wealth of experience, expertise and passion and we have a ton to learn from him as we pivot to this new era of leadership."
Krause acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor and shared his enthusiasm for the role. "I'm honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve such amazing people in the Cyber National Mission Force," Krause said. "I look forward to working with our teams and partners as we set a new foundation for the future of this force."
He emphasized his excitement about joining CNMF, stating, "This is truly the greatest job in the joint force, and I'm excited to be part of this organization. The work we do here is critical, and I'm eager to contribute to CNMF’s Defend the Nation mission."
The Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command, is responsible for Defending the Nation in cyberspace. CNMF’s mission is to plan, direct, and synchronize full-spectrum cyberspace operations to deter, disrupt, and defeat adversary cyber and malign actors. The organization supports national mission and U.S. Cyber Command priorities such as election security, ransomware, cyber espionage, and other crisis and contingencies.