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NY Air Guard Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz, a Bayport resident, assumes command of 102nd Rescue Squadron in June 7 ceremony

Westhampton Beach, New York (06/20/2024) — New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz, a Bayport resident, took command of the 106th Attack Wing's 102nd Rescue Squadron during a June 7 ceremony at Francis F. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

Hruz, an HC-130J Combat King II pilot, previously served as the operations officer for the 102nd.

The 102nd Rescue Squadron can trace its history back to the 102nd Observation Squadron of the New York National Guard, and before that the 1st Aero Squadron which was organized in 1917. This makes it the oldest unit in the Air National Guard.

"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."

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. As the HC-130 J conversion officer he coordinated logistical, maintenance and operations functions across six squadrons, three agencies and two major commands as the Air Force replaced an older version of the HC-130.

Hruz has also deployed three times to the Horn of Africa in support of combat operations in Afghanistan.

The HC-130J is a search and rescue variant of the C-130 transport flown by 102nd Airmen.

The aircraft can extend the range of search and rescue helicopters by refueling them in flight, and can also airdrop people and rescue equipment anyplace required on land or sea.

Media Attachments

New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz, pictured in middle, receives the 102nd Rescue Squadron guidon from Col. Jefferey Cannet,the commander of the 106th Rescue Wing's Operations Group commander, during a Change of Command ceremony held at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, in Westhampton Beach, NY, on June 7, 2024. Hruz assumed command of the 102nd Rescue Squadron, replacing Col. Sean Garell, pictured right, who assumes the role of Deputy Commander of the 106th Operations Group. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Daniel H. Farrell)

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