Seaford New York Resident Robert Savio Retires from the New York Air National Guard After 40 Years of Military Service
Westhampton Beach, New York - (12/23/2025) — New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Robert Savio, a Seaford New York resident, closed his 40-year military career with a retirement ceremony at the 106th Rescue Wing, F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on December 6, 2025.
"Four decades, that's not a career, that's a legacy," said Capt. Julie Alfredson, the maintenance director of operations and presiding official of the ceremony.
Savio's military career began in 1984, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida, he attended the avionics technician Class "A" school at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Millington, Tennessee.
Upon graduating he was assigned to Attack Squadron 46, maintaining the A-7E Corsair Il aircraft, aboard the USS America, which was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. In 1987 while deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) he was promoted to the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Savio deployed again in 1988, to the Mediterranean Sea while aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Savio completed his four-year enlistment and was honorably discharged from the Navy on June 9, 1989.
"I didn't know anything about the Air Force but figured I'd check it out," said Savio. "Back then they had a 'Try One' enlistment for prior service members so l signed up for one year to see how it was."
In December of 1989 he enlisted in the New York Air National Guard, assigned to the 106th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, the precursor to the 106th Rescue Wing, and was assigned as an avionics specialist in the Communications-Navigation shop.
Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, he deployed to Manhattan to support Operation Resolve, and deployed to Al-Jaber Airbase, Kuwait, in support of Operation Southern Watch. From 2002 to 2023, Savio deployed six more times to Turkey, Djibouti, Afghanistan and other locations, in support of Operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
"Chief Savio hasn't just served, he has served fiercely," said Alfredson. "He has been humble, dedicated and unshakably loyal to the Airmen." In 2019 Savio was assigned to his present position as the Maintenance Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader. He deployed in June 2023 to an undisclosed location within Air Force Central Command in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader, 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, 15th Expeditionary Rescue Group.
"Well 36 'Try One's' later, here I am," said Savio. "Never would I have thought I would have made Chief Master Sergeant or be the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 106th Maintenance Squadron."
In his remarks, Savio thanked the wing leadership, distinguished guests, his friends and family for their support throughout the years.
"To my son Michael and my daughter Jessica, and my wife Carol, who is not here anymore physically but I feel like she is standing right here next to me in spirit," Savio said. "Thank you for all you have done and all the love you guys have given me. I love you guys!"
During the ceremony, Savio was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service and the Air Force Certificate of Retirement.
"I retire out of the military knowing I spent my career exactly where I belonged, aircraft maintenance and being a part of the finest aircraft maintenance organization in the Air Force, that is a fact!"
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 Chief Master Sgt. Robert Savio, speaks at his retirement ceremony at Frances S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, Dec. 6, 2025. Savio began his military career in the U.S. Navy in 1984 then enlisted in the Air Force in 1989.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Technical Sgt. Sean Madden)
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