NY Air Guard Lt. Col. Kevin Lawhon, a Middle Island resident, takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's Mission Support Group

FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - (02/18/2026) — New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kevin Lawhon, a Pflugerville, Texas native and Middle Island resident, assumed command of the 106th Rescue Wing's Mission Support Group, during a ceremony at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York, Feb. 7.

Lawhon assumed command from Col. Glyn Weir, who has led the group since 2021.

"As I prepare to step aside, I do so with gratitude, pride, and complete confidence in what comes next," Weir said. "Serving as your Mission Support Group commander has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for allowing me to serve alongside you."

Col. Jeffrey Cannet, 106th Rescue Wing commander and presiding official for the ceremony, praised Lawhon and Weir for their dedication and outstanding leadership.

"[Col. Weir] brought a passion with him that became infectious across every corner of the base," Cannet said. "He never shied from a challenge and led this group with an unrelenting style that became the calling card for his team. Col. Lawhon, as Glyn can attest, it is not easy business, but it's a task you are well prepared for. I have the utmost confidence in you, and I look forward to the amazing things the men and women of the Mission Support Group will do under your command."

In his remarks, Lawhon acknowledged his family, leadership, and squadron for their continued support.

"I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead the Mission Support Group," Lawhon said. "I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I am ready for the task of leading these outstanding Airmen while continuing to advance the essential support capabilities that enable the Wing's rescue mission."

Lawhon began his military career in 2005 after graduating from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He served eight years on active duty, including assignments as an electronic warfare engineer with the 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, until 2009, and later as an executive officer with the 53rd Electronic Warfare Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, beginning in 2010.

In 2013, he transitioned to the Air National Guard, joining the 106th Rescue Wing as a civil engineer.

Since joining the 106th, Lawhon has held numerous positions including Chief of Wing Plans, Combat Systems Officer, HC-130J Weapons Officer, Assistant Director of Operations for the 106th Operations Support Squadron, and the Operations Support Squadron commander.

Most recently, Lawhon served as the Deputy Commander of the 106th Mission Support Group.

In closing, Weir addressed Lawhon, expressing his confidence in the group's continued success under his command.

"Kevin, it has truly been a pleasure working with you," Weir said. "You have earned this position through hard work, integrity, and forward-thinking leadership. You care deeply about people, standards, and about the mission. That combination is rare and invaluable. The Mission Support Group is in outstanding hands. I have complete confidence in you and in this team. You will take this group to even greater heights."

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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