Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry | Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen hold a change of command ceremony between...... read more read more
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INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana National Guard’s 53rd Civil Support Team changed commanders during a ceremony at Stout Field Thursday.
Indiana Army National Guard Maj. Nate Skelly took the reins of the 53rd from Lt. Col Ron Crane, who helmed the team since 2013.
“To the soldiers, airmen and the families of the 53rd Civil Support Team, I am so excited, humbled and honored to have this command opportunity,” said Skelly. “I recognize that being on the CST is a demanding assignment, which often times means sacrificing time away from home. I look forward to leading you, and will work hard to earn your trust and respect.”
Skelly will now lead the team that works alongside local, state and national civilian agencies and first-responders in preparation of possible domestic chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear - aka weapons of mass destruction - attacks.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Ron Humbert, the bomb squad commander, attended the ceremony and praised the Indiana National Guard soldiers and airmen of the 53rd CST.
“They bring a level of expertise that is second to none,” said Humbert. “These guys and gals bring everything with them to handle any possible event going on in the world today.”
In fiscal year 2015 the team conducted 170 missions including 86 standby missions. The CST supported events throughout Indiana including Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The events included NCAA Final Four championship, Evansville’s Fall Festival, Thunder Over Louisville, the papal visit in Philadelphia and Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Crane said he enjoyed leading the team for the last three years. He’s served with the 53rd since the unit’s inception in 2004, and he praised the team’s efforts while serving alongside his fellow team members.
“I am honored, blessed and humbled to have been the commander of the 53rd CST,” said Crane. “To the 53rd, thank you very much for teaching me, for mentoring me, for allowing me to develop and grow. I won’t forget any of you, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.”
Crane will now become the Indiana National Guard’s director of military support.
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2016 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 186822 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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