New leader takes command of 4,000 National Guard Troops at Camp Smith this afternoon

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Col. Michel Natali

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. (12/03/2016)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Col. Michel Natali, a veteran of the Iraq War, and a New York State Police investigator in civilian life, will take command of the 53rd Troop Command this afternoon, Saturday, Dec. 3 during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site in Cortlandt Manor.

He replaces Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey who will be retiring after 36 years in the Army, Army Reserve, and New York Army National Guard.

The 53rd Troop Command is responsible for military police, transportation, supply, engineer, and other Army National Guard support units located across New York. There are about 4,000 Soldiers in these units.

WHO: Col. Michel Natali, the incoming commander of the 53rd Troop Command; Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, the outgoing commander of the 53rd Troop Command; Brig. Gen. Raymond Shields, Assistant Adjutant General for the Army National Guard, and Soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command.

WHAT: A military change of command ceremony in which the flag of the 53rd Troop Command will be transferred from Swezey to Natali, signifying the change of duties.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016

WHERE: Building 500, Camp Smith Training Site, Route 202, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.

Coverage Opportunities:

Interviews with the outgoing and incoming commanders and videos and still imagery of the ceremony.

Members of the media must contact Sgt. Michael J. Davis at 845-656-8702 for access to this secure military facility.