107th Attack Wing Change of Command

Photo By Senior Airman Daniel Meade | The airmen of the 107th Attack Wing stand at attention during a change of command ceremony in which Lt. Col Andrew Carlson assumes command of the 107th from Col. Gary Charlton II on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls N.Y., March 12, 2022. Carlson was previously the commander of the 136th Attack Squadron, 107th Attack Wing, and has more than 2,300 military flight hours.  

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

03.12.2022

Story by Senior Airman Daniel Meade 

107th Attack Wing

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. (March. 12, 2022) — Lt. Col. Andrew Carlson, the vice wing commander of the 107th Attack Wing, New York National Guard, took command of the wing during a ceremony held here on March 11, 2022.

The change of command ceremony saw the outgoing commander, Col. Gary Charlton II, hand over the leadership of more than 700 Airmen after three years in command. Charlton will assume command of the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh New York.

“The 107th has a rich history of dedication innovation and bravery in combat since the 339th fighter group of WWII lore was redesigned the 107th fighter group.” said Carlson. “We must continue to train, innovate, prove more resilient than our adversaries.”

Carlson has over 2,300 total military flight hours, including more than 600 combat hours. Prior to his position as vice wing commander of the 107th, Carlson served as the 136 Attack Squadron Commander, 107th Attack Wing.

Under his leadership, Col. Charlton instilled wisdom, vision and drive, into the members of the 107th ATKW, Carlson said. He has taken extraordinary measures to support the airmen, guardians and their families, and his legacy will live on, said Carlson.

The 107th ATKW was formed in 1942 and served in World War II as the 339th Fighter Group flying the P-51 Mustang. This began decades of the 107th making history with various fighter aircraft, until 1994 when their F-16 Fighting Falcons were turned in for KC-135R Stratotankers. After flying the C-130 Hercules for several years, the wing began converting to its current mission, the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, in 2014.

“I am so proud of this wing, its history and heritage,” Said Carlson. “And I’m excited to see it advance well into the future.”

• Date Taken: 03.12.2022
• Date Posted: 04.04.2022 09:42
• Story ID: 416376
• Location: NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, US