Loudonville resident takes command of NY Air Guard during 3 p.m. ceremony today at NY National Guard HQ

Brig. Gen. Gary Charlton will be promoted and take command of 5,800-Airman force

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Brig, General Gary Charlton II

LATHAM, NY (01/10/2026) (readMedia)-- New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Gary Charlton II, a Loudonville resident, will be promoted to the two-star major general rank and assume command of the 5,800- member New York Air National Guard today, Friday, January 9, 2026.

Charlton will replace Major General Michael Bank, who is retiring as New York Air National Guard commander after 37 years of military service. He will serve concurrently as commander of the New York Air National Guard and assistant adjutant general, air.

Members of the press are invited to cover the ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham.

WHO: Brigadier General (one-star) Gary Charlton II, the incoming commander of the New York Air National Guard; Major General Michael Bank, the outgoing commander; Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York and the presiding officer for the ceremony; and men, women, and leaders of the New York Air National Guard.

WHAT: A promotion ceremony, during which Charlton will be promoted to two-star general, followed by a change of command ceremony during which Charlton will replace Bank. During the ceremony, the guidon of Headquarters, New York Air National Guard, will be passed from Bank to Shields in his role of commander of the New York National Guard. Sheilds will then pass the guidon, and the responsibility for the New York Air National Guard to Charlton.

WHEN: 3 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2025

WHERE: New York National Guard Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, 12110.

Members of the press wishing to cover the event must contact the Division of Military and Naval Affairs public affairs office at 518-786-4581 for access to this secure military facility.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITES:

Interviews with the new commander of the New York Air National Guard and video and still imagery of the promotion and change of command ceremonies.