Air Guard Lt. Col. Michael Rutigliano, a Melbville resident, honored after 30-year career during June 6 retirement ceremony
Rutigliano served as a command pilot with over 2,700 flying hours
FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK (06/11/2026) — Lt. Col. Michael S. Rutigliano, a resident of Melville, New York, concluded his 30-year career assigned to the New York Air National Guard, 106th Rescue Wing, at a retirement ceremony on base in Westhampton Beach, New York, June 6, 2026.
A command pilot with more than 2,700 flight hours, Rutigliano flew the HC-130P/N Combat King and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft throughout his career, with the 102nd Rescue Squadron at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.
Rutigliano was commissioned and joined the 102nd Rescue Squadron in May 1996. Over the next three decades, he participated in six overseas deployments supporting operations spanning Kuwait, Turkey, Iraq and Djibouti.
He also executed space shuttle rescue alert missions, standing ready to recover NASA astronauts in the event of an emergency during launch or landing.
During Hurricane Irma relief operations in 2017, Rutigliano led the evacuation of St. Martin following catastrophic damage to the island's infrastructure. His aircrew recovered 365 American citizens despite significant civil unrest and logistical challenges on the ground. That mission earned him a commendation for decisive leadership under pressure.
"Your commitment to the 106th and specifically the 102nd is truly special," said Col. Jeffrey Cannet, 106th Rescue Wing commander. "There isn't a pilot in this room that hasn't benefited from your guidance and instruction."
In addition to his operational flying, Rutigliano served as an evaluator pilot and safety officer, mentoring three generations of combat rescue professionals during his tenure.
He later commanded the 102nd Rescue Squadron during a pivotal transition period, leading more than 50 aviators through the unit's conversion from the legacy HC-130P/N to the advanced HC-130J Combat King II aircraft.
In recognition of his service, Rutigliano was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, citing his contributions from May 22, 1998 to May 31, 2026. The citation noted that his actions "embodied the United States Air Force rescue motto, that others may live."
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at F.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-60W Jolly Green II search and 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.
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New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Rutigliano, a Melville resident, receives a folded American flag during his retirement ceremony at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, June 6, 2026. Rutigliano retired after 30 years of dedicated service with the 102nd Rescue Squadron, assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Technical Sgt. Sean Madden)
New York National Guard
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