Col. Dawne Deskins Takes Command of Eastern Air Defense Sector Published Feb. 28, 2012 By Tim Jones EADS Rome, NY -- Col. Dawne L. Deskins formally became the first female commander of the Eastern Air Defense Sector today during a ceremony at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Colonel Deskins received command before a crowd of more than 200 family, friends and fellow members of the Air and Army National Guard. The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, Commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Region (CONR) and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern). Colonel Deskins took command from Col. John P. Bartholf, who is retiring. Col. Wade F. Dewey formally became EADS Vice Commander during the same ceremony. Colonel Deskins had served as Vice Commander for the last four years. "I'm proud to become the leader of such an outstanding group of Airmen and civilians and it is a personal honor for me to follow Col. Bartholf, who has been a great commander and better friend," said Colonel Deskins. "The future holds many challenges, but I am confident the men and women of EADS will continue to successfully conduct our vital around-the-clock mission of defending the eastern U.S. airspace." The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Staffed by active-duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission. EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend one million square miles of land and sea.