642nd Aviation Support Battalion Conducts Change of Command in Rochester Saturday afternoon

ROCHESTER, NY, UNITED STATES

10.22.2014

Courtesy Story

New York National Guard

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Charnley, an Ogden resident takes command of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25 in Rochester.

The battalion is headquartered in Rochester and has elements in Olean, Dunkirk and Ronkonkoma. The battalion provides logistics and maintenance support to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, and returned from deployment in Kuwait in August.

Charnley takes command from Lt. Col. Jack James, who led the battalion since November 2011.

James will go on to command the Latham-based 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade. His ceremony to assume command will occur in mid-November.

WHO: Lt. Col. Michael Charnley, the incoming commander, receives the colors of his new command from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jack James. Col. Al Ricci, commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, oversees the transfer of command.
WHAT: A traditional military change-of-command ceremony in which the colors, or flag, of the battalion is transferred from James to Charnley by the brigade commander, Col. Al Ricci, signifying the change of responsibility and authority for the command from one leader to another. Traditionally the unit's color's marked the location of the commander on the battlefield and the ceremony allowed the Soldiers to know who their commander was.
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Army Aviation Support Facility, 76 Patriot Way, Rochester, N.Y.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2014
• Date Posted: 10.22.2014 14:52
• Story ID: 145811
• Location: ROCHESTER, NY, US