Rear Adm. Joseph Dantone, Jr. was named the Director-designate of the proposed National Imagery and Mapping Agency on Nov. 28, 1995. NIMA’s formation improved the overall effectiveness and efficiency of imagery and mapping support to both national and military customers.

Rear Adm. Dantone led the NIMA transition team that established the mission, function, organizational structure and program plan for the new agency. He led the consolidation of resources from eight different agencies into the new agency after winning the approval of Department of Defense, the intelligence community and various congressional oversight committees.

During his career as a naval aviator, Rear Adm. Dantone flew over 150 combat missions in Southeast Asia. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V,” and the Vietnam Service, Southwest Asia and Kuwait Liberation Medals.

Rear Adm. Dantone was inducted into the GEOINT Hall of Fame in 2016.