Intelligence Community, Department of War Welcome LTG Michele Bredenkamp as Director of NGA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ODNI News Release No. 40-25
November 10, 2025

Intelligence Community, Department of War Welcome LTG Michele Bredenkamp as Director of NGA

SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA - Recently, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) Aaron Lukas and Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security Bradley Hansell welcomed Lieutenant General Michele Bredenkamp as the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in a Change of Directorship ceremony at NGA headquarters.

LTG Bredenkamp brings more than 30 years of military experience to her new role, where she will lead U.S. geospatial intelligence collection, analysis, and distribution in support of national security. In her most recent role as DNI Gabbard's Advisor for Military Affairs (DAMA) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Bredenkamp oversaw the seamless and timely integration of intelligence between the Intelligence Community and the Department of War.

The Intelligence Community also recognized outgoing Director Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth with the George Washington Spymaster Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Director of National Intelligence, for exemplary leadership across thirty years of public service.

Excerpts from remarks by PDDNI Lukas and NGA Leadership are below:

PDDNI Lukas: "As Director of NGA, I know LTG Bredenkamp will tirelessly build on the agency's enduring legacy of delivering timely, accurate geospatial intelligence to warfighters, policymakers, and partners worldwide. Her proven track record of intelligence integration, across the Department of War and the IC, positions her to advance NGA's mission in an era of evolving threats, leveraging emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, and multi-domain operations."

VADM Whitworth: "LTG Bredenkamp, you are inheriting an agency at the height of its capabilities, but there is so much more to do. I could not be more confident in NGA's future. Thank you for stepping up to the plate, and thank you for your friendship."

Under Secretary Hansell: "LTG Bredenkamp is a battle-tested leader with extended deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea. Her experience also includes leading the Army's sprawling signals and intelligence enterprise, most recently serving as Director Gabbard's senior military advisor. I have no doubt that she is up to the task. The President, the Secretary of War, and myself have full confidence in LTG Bredenkamp's ability to lead the GEOINT enterprise during this crucial period."

LTG Bredenkamp: "I have personally observed how GEOINT, delivered by NGA professionals, provided clarity, understanding, and increased decision advantage for commanders and policy makers. As we gather here today, NGA experts are enabling key and critical operations around the globe by protecting our sources, safeguarding our homeland, and preserving our American interests. I look forward to building on our GEOINT foundation and rapidly advancing our role as the world-class leader in producing decisive and actionable geospatial intelligence to decisionmakers and warfighters at every level."

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