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Wading River Resident Assumes Command of the New York Air National Guard's 101st Rescue Squadron

FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. (11/14/2025) — New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. James (Sonny) Liston, a Wading River resident and HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter pilot, assumed command of the 106th Rescue Wing's 101st Rescue Squadron, during a ceremony at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., Nov. 9.

The 101st Rescue Squadron flies the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter and provides helicopter-borne personnel recovery and combat search and rescue for the 106th Rescue Wing, while also supporting domestic search and rescue, and defense support to civil authorities when tasked.

The squadron integrates with the wing's HC-130J Combat King II crews for command, control and air refueling, and with the wing's pararescuemen and combat rescue officers for survivor recovery across the personnel recovery spectrum.

Liston assumed command from Lt. Col. Matthew Forbes who has led the squadron since 2022.

"To the men and women of the 101st, I'm proud of what we have accomplished for the past three and a half years, and I look forward to what the squadron's going to do underneath Sonny's command," Forbes said. "It has been an honor to be your commander. Sonny, you're one of the best officers I've ever met, and the squadron's lucky to have you at the helm."

Col. Sean Garell, 106th Operations Group commander and presiding officer for the ceremony, praised Liston and Forbes for their dedication and outstanding leadership.

"You have truly operated as a command team, complementing each other's strengths, setting high standards, and leading with integrity," Garell said. "As we mark the transition today, we are not just recognizing two outstanding leaders, we are celebrating the resilience, teamwork, and spirit of the entire 101st Rescue Squadron."

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

"Thank you for your trust as I take on this new role and the hand-off from [Forbes]," Liston said. "I promise to give you 101% of my effort because that is what you deserve. We will strive to be the best rescue professionals that we can be, as a team and as a family."

Liston's readiness and operational leadership were highlighted during the Pine Barrens wildfire response in March 2025, when he led the HH-60W effort that coordinated in the air with three New York Army National Guard UH-60M Black Hawks and on the ground with local fire departments.

During the mission, the 106th HH-60W executed 28 water bucket drops in five hours-delivering approximately 14,100 gallons-while the Army UH-60M teams conducted 43 drops totaling 28,380 gallons, helping contain the blaze near the base.

Liston began his military career in 2002, enlisting as an A-10A and A-10C Electrical and Environmental System Specialist with the Michigan Air National Guard.

He received his commission through Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in 2008, graduating as a distinguished graduate. He attended Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and Fort Rucker, Alabama, from 2009 to 2010, and completed the HH-60G Pilot Initial Qualification Course in 2011.

Liston transitioned to the New York Air National Guard in 2020, serving with the 106th Rescue Wing. Most recently, he served as the Operations Officer for the 101st Rescue Squadron where he was responsible for daily squadron operations, directing integration with numerous other agencies, coordinating with higher headquarters, and ensuring the squadron and its members are prepared for any tasking they are presented with.

Additionally, Liston is an Instructor/Evaluator Pilot instructing and evaluating aircrew on employment of the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter for mission sets across the personnel recovery spectrum.

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.

Media Attachments

New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. James Liston, a pilot in the 106th Rescue Wing's 101st Rescue Squadron receives the squadron guidon from U.S. Air Force Col. Sean Garell, 106th Operations Group commander, during a Change of Command ceremony at the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, N.Y., November 9, 2025. Liston assumed command of the 101st from Lt. Col. Matthew Forbes, who has led the squadron since 2022. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah McKernan)

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