Col. Kathleen C. Sakura, who has a background in both intelligence and acquisition work during 22 years with the Air Force, is to be installed in June as the next commander of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Sakura will succeed Col. D. Scott George, NASIC’s commander since June 2008, at a change of command ceremony June 2 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, NASIC spokesman James Lunsford said Monday, April 5. NASIC is the Defense Department’s expert on assessing foreign countries’ aerospace capabilities, compiling reports used to inform the White House and senior administration officials.

The center’s commander manages a $300 million annual budget and oversees more than 3,100 personnel worldwide.

Sakura is currently assigned to the Pentagon as a military assistant to the Defense Business Board. She previously served in a series of intelligence assignments, most recently as a special assistant and adviser to the undersecretary for intelligence and analysis at the Department of Homeland Security.

Sakura is originally from Orlando, Fla. She has had overseas assignments including in South Korea, Germany and China.

President Obama last month nominated George for promotion to brigadier general, subject to Senate confirmation. The Air Force hasn’t said where George’s new assignment will be, or what new duties he will have.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.