Navy Vice Adm. Robert Sharp assumed command as the seventh director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Feb. 7 in a ceremony at the agency’s headquarters here.

Sharp, who replaces Robert Cardillo, p​​​reviously served as commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and director of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with NGA and GEOINT professionals during every step of my career – I’ve set sail with your products, I’ve worked late nights and weekends with you, and we’ve deployed around the globe together.  I am truly humbled and honored to be joining the NGA team,” said Sharp.

Cardillo became director in October 2014. During his tenure, Cardillo led the agency through unprecedented change, embracing industry and other nontraditional sources of intelligence and innovation.​

​​“As I hand the baton to my successor today, I do so knowing this agency has made great strides in elevating deeper insight and improving operational agility to protect our nation’s security,” said Cardillo. In his remarks Cardillo also recognized and celebrated those who instructed, mentored, corrected and guided him to this point.

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Joseph Kernan and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats presided over the ceremony.​​​​​​​​