New York Air National Guard Change of Command this morning in Latham

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Brig. Gen. Anthony German

LATHAM, NY (06/22/2015)(readMedia)-- New York Air National Guard Brigadier General Anthony German will be promoted to Major General (two-star) and take command of the 5,900-member New York Air National Guard this morning-Monday, June 22-at Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters.

Members of the press are invited to cover the event.

WHO: Brig. Gen. Anthony German, the incoming commander of the New York Air National Guard, an Oneonta resident, and former commander of the 109th Airlift Wing; Major General Verle Johnston, a Schenectady resident and the outgoing commander of the New York Air National Guard; Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York; and men and women of the New York Air National Guard.

WHAT: Promotion of German from one-star to two-star rank and formal change of command from Johnston to German. Major Gen. Patrick Murphy, will preside over the ceremony in his role as commander of both the New York Army and Air National Guard. New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Kevin Bradley, former commander of the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse, will also be promoted to two-star rank during the event.

WHEN: 11 .a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2015.

WHERE: Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters, 330 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, N.Y.

Coverage Opportunities:

Press can collect video and still imagery of the change of command and interview National Guard leaders about the event.

For access to this secure military facility media must contact the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Public Affairs Office at 518-786-4581.

BACKGROUND:

The New York Air National Guard is the largest Air National Guard in the United States.

The New York Air National Guard is comprised of five flying wings located at four Air National Guard Air Bases and one Air Reserve Station. New York Air National Guard Airmen fly C-17 cargo planes, the LC-130 "Skibird" Hercules transport capable of landing on ice and snow, HH-60 Pavehawk rescue helicopters and HH-130 search and rescue aircraft, and the MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft.

Members of the Air National Guard also man the Eastern Air Defense Sector which is responsible for monitoring the airspace of the United States east of the Mississippi. Other New York Air National Guard members conduct classified satellite reconnaissance missions, plan air attack operations, and provide on-the-ground air controller support to Army units deployed in combat.

Members of the Air National Guard also respond to New York State security missions and disaster response missions at the direction of the governor.