New York Air Guard Lt. Col. Jesse Fritz, a Hampton Bays resident takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's Maintenance Group
FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - (02/18/2026) — New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jesse Fritz, a DeForest, Wisconsin native and Hampton Bays resident, assumed command of the 106th Rescue Wing's Maintenance Group, during a ceremony at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York, Feb. 7.
Fritz assumed command from Col. Neil Theisen who has led the group since 2020.
"As I close this chapter with the 106th Maintenance Group's excellent and continuing history, I will think of all of you," Theisen said. "I will say a prayer of thanks for having been in the company of magnificent, grease-covered heroes, who believed 'If not me then who? If not now, then when?' Thank you."
Col. Jeffrey Cannet, 106th Rescue Wing Commander and presiding official for the ceremony, praised Fritz and Theisen for their dedication and outstanding leadership.
"[Col. Theisen], under your watch, this group has been resilient and inspirational. A commander's number one responsibility is the readiness and well-being of their Airmen, you have certainly lived up to that," Cannet said. "Jesse, you are the right leader to challenge this team to leap over the high bar already set. I look forward to the amazing things the men and women of the 106th Maintenance Group will do under your command. The keys are yours."
In his remarks, Fritz acknowledged his family and base leadership for their continued support and addressed the Airmen of the 106th Maintenance Group.
"Thank you for your support and trust," Fritz said. "It is with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today, taking command of this exceptional Maintenance Group. You are the heart and soul of this organization. Your dedication to our mission, your technical expertise, and your tireless commitment to keeping our aircraft flying and crew members safe are nothing short of inspiring. I am humbled to again join your ranks."
Fritz began his military career in 1999, enlisting as a maintenance management analyst with the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard.
He received his commission in 2002 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program at Marquette University, Wisconsin. In 2006, Fritz returned to the Air National Guard, joining the 106th Rescue Wing as the 106th Maintenance Operations Flight Commander.
Since joining the 106th, Fritz has held multiple command assignments including Maintenance Operations Flight, Force Support Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Maintenance Squadron. Most recently, Fritz served as the 106th Rescue Wing Chief of Staff.
In closing, Theisen addressed Fritz, expressing his confidence in the group's continued success.
"Jesse, you are the right person at the right time to inspire this team to even greater heights at a moment when combat rescue maintenance will be most challenged," Theisen said.
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-60W Jolly Green II 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. Jesse Fritz gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony held at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., February 8, 2026. Fritz assumed command of the 106th Rescue Wing Maintenance Group from Col. Neil Theisen, who has led the group since 2020. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah McKernan)