Photo By Staff Sgt. Sarah McKernan | U.S. Air Force Colonel Jeffrey Cannet, 106th Rescue Wing commander, delivers his...... read more read more
Subscribe
FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. – Airmen, alumni, leaders and friends gathered at the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing to commemorate 50 years of the unit’s rescue mission, with a ceremony held on Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on June 7, 2025.
In 1975, the 106th, which had been an Air Defense Command interceptor unit, adopted combat search and rescue missions and became the 106th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group. In 1995, the group was officially redesignated as the 106th Rescue Wing.
“For half a century, this wing has answered the call to fulfill the most noble of Air Force missions, to save lives,” said Colonel Jeffrey Cannet, the 106th Rescue Wing commander.
“Since 1975, we’ve been a beacon of hope, a symbol of courage and a testament to the unwavering commitment to our principles, that others may live,” he added.
Former commanders of the 106th also attended and emphasized the importance of the mission in their remarks.
Major General Michael Bank, who is currently the New York Air National Guard commander, retired Colonel Shawn Fitzgerald, retired Colonel Michael Canders, and retired Colonel David Hill, who was the first commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, all spoke.
Also in attendance were the New York Air National Guard Command Chief, Michael Hewson, former vice wing commanders, former wing command chiefs, distinguished retirees, and former wing members.
In his remarks, Cannet reflected on the significance of wing achievements over the past 50 years, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifice that have defined its mission.
“Today, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but the extraordinary achievements that have defined the past five decades,” said Cannet.
“We celebrate the countless hours of rigorous training, the daring missions often conducted in the face of extreme adversity, and the unwavering resolve that has enabled us to achieve a truly remarkable feat, saving 2,974 lives,” Cannet said.
Hill was among the speakers at the ceremony and reflected on his decades of service and the evolution of the unit.
“It’s been 28 years since I last stood before the 106th Rescue Wing, and as I thought back over the years here, a lot happened,” Hill said.
“I spent the time from 1970 until 1997 here in this unit, 27 years, through a lot of change. In the 22 years that I was here flying, we saved about 234 lives, and now it’s 2,974 lives that you have saved. It’s to see all your facilities, your beautiful aircraft, and your faces here doing the job,” Hill said.
Bank addressed the Airmen of the 106th in his remarks.
“There is no other wing in the state of New York, or, I would argue, in the Air National Guard, that exemplifies integrity, excellence, and service more than this one,” Bank said.
“And it’s because of the people like you, and your predecessors, and the people that trained you, that mentored you, that let you grow, and then also trusted you to lead and do the right things when you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Bank added.
In his closing remarks, Cannet commended the wing’s current Airmen for upholding the proud legacy of the 106th and emphasized their responsibility in shaping the future of the mission.
“To the current members of the 106th, I commend you for your unwavering dedication and your commitment to excellence,” he said.
“You inherit a proud legacy, and you are writing the next chapter in the story of this wing. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that you are part of something truly special,” Cannet said.
At the end of the ceremony, a 50th Anniversary plaque was unveiled by Col. Cannet and Command Chief Master Sgt. Rittberg.
The plaque will be displayed alone with other historical items in the wing's headquarters building.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/people/106th-Rescue-Wing/100064292425345/#
https://www.instagram.com/106threscuewing/?hl=en
https://www.106rqw.ang.af.mil/
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2025 10:30 |
| Story ID: | 500012 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 106th Rescue Wing Celebrates 50 Years of Rescue, by SSgt Sarah McKernan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Air National Guard
Search and rescue
New York
Department of the Air Force
