Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz, pictured in middle, a 102nd Rescue Squadron HC-130J...... read more read more
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Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, N.Y. – Bayport/Blue Point resident Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz, an HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft pilot with the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, has been appointed to take command of the 102nd Rescue Squadron in a ceremony held at the 106th Operations Group, June 7th.
Hruz began his career with 106th Rescue Wing in 2006 and has served a variety of positions to include Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and HC-130J conversion officer, a role where he coordinated logistical, maintenance and operations functions across six squadrons, three agencies and two major commands to usher in the current airframe replacing the HC-130P/Ns.
He most recently served as 102nd Operations Officer, a position responsible for leading, resourcing, and supporting daily operations of 60 Airmen conducting personnel recovery missions on the HC-130J.
Hruz deployed three times to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
“I’m extremely proud to be named the commander of the oldest flying squadron in the Air National Guard,” Hruz said. “It’s truly an honor to be able to lead this team of dedicated Airmen.”
106th Operations Group Commander Col. Jefferey Cannet described Hruz as the “heart of this squadron.”
“Since the beginning of Lt. Col. Hruz’s career in the 102nd, nobody has contributed more, cared more, had the pulse of the squadron more,” said Cannet. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead them.”
Hruz replaces Col. Sean Garell, who assumes the role of Deputy Commander of the 106th Operations Group.
“I look forward to Col. Hruz and the leadership he is going to bring,” said Garell. “His character is unwavering. His task is to make the organization better so that they can protect our homeland, build alliances, and deter aggression from our adversaries – I have no doubt he will succeed.”
The 102nd Rescue Squadron operates the HC-130J with the mission to extend the range of combat search and rescue helicopters by providing air refueling in hostile or contested airspace if required. Secondary mission capabilities include performing tactical delivery via airdrop or airland of pararescue specialist teams, small bundles, zodiac watercraft, or four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles; and providing direct assistance to a survivor in advance of the arrival of a recovery vehicle, according to the base website.
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2024 16:00 |
| Story ID: | 474057 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | BAYPORT, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | BLUE POINT, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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