Major Dan Colomb, former Niskayuna resident, takes command of New York City National Guard unit
West Point graduate leads NY National Guard unit specializing in detecting chemical, radiological and biological weapons
Latham, NY (06/01/2021) — New York Army National Guard Major Dan Colomb, a former Niskayuna resident, assumed command of the New York National Guard's 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, on May 21.
The 24th CST, as it is commonly called, is a 22-person unit comprised of Army and Air National Guard personnel who are trained to identify chemical, biological, and radiological agents in support of local law enforcement or other first responders.
The 24th CST is based at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and focuses on missions in New York City. The 2nd CST is based at Stratton Air National Guard Base and focuses on missions in upstate New York and surrounding areas.
Colomb, who has relocated to Manhattan, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2003, previously served as domestic operations plans chief for the New York National Guard. In that position he played a critical role in the New York National Guard response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colomb served in the Active Army as a combat engineer platoon leader and deployed to Iraq with the 70th Engineer Battalion in 2005.
In 2007, deployed to Afghanistan as the 70th Engineer Battalion plans officer. During the deployment he was reassigned to head a company-sized anti-improvised explosive device unit in in three provinces.
Colomb joined the New York Army National Guard in 2009. He has served as 42nd Infantry Division plans officer, commander of the 1156th Engineer Company, and personnel officer for the 204th Engineer Battalion, and operations officer for the New York Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
He went on to serve as operations office for the 204th Engineer Battalion and led a team of 40 Soldiers to Puerto Rico to help that territory recover from Hurricane Maria.
Colomb's Education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in American Legal Systems and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Advanced Operations Course.
His military decorations include The Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Major Dan Colomb, right, a former Niskayuna resident, accepts the flag of the 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, on May 21 during change of command ceremonies.