The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a Change of Responsibility on Nov. 19, 2012, with Vice Admiral James D. Syring, United States Navy, succeeding Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, United States Army, as the ninth Director of the Missile Defense Agency and its predecessor organizations. Lt. Gen. O'Reilly served as the MDA director since November, 2008.

The Honorable Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, presided over the ceremony held at MDA Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, Va.