Syracuse, N.Y. – U.S. Air Force Col. Brett Batick assumed command of the New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing from outgoing commander Brig. Gen. John O’Connor, during a change of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, in Syracuse, NY, Dec. 6, 2025. The ceremony was held in the 174th Attack Wing’s aircraft maintenance hangar with more than 1,000 members of the 174th Attack Wing in attendance.
O'Connor, who led the unit since 2023 relinquished command in preparation of his next assignment where he will serve as chief of staff for the New York Air National Guard.
“Part of my job is to leave this wing prepared for what comes next,” O’Connor remarked. “As I hand this flag off to Col. Batick, I am confident that you are in the most capable of hands.”
The ceremony's presiding official was U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Bank, the New York Air National Guard commander. As the NYANG commander, Bank is responsible for the operational effectiveness and mission readiness of more than 5,800 Airmen across 5 different wings.
“You have my utmost confidence in your ability to lead this fine organization and take care of the airmen who serve,” said Maj. Gen. Bank, addressing Batick. “They’re our most precious resource, and I have no doubt your vision and your priorities will align with our organization’s priorities of safety, strength and readiness.”
Batick graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering before joining the Marine Corps in 1998. Beginning his career as an F/A-18 pilot, he became an Advanced Jet Flight instructor in Training Squadron 9 in Meridian, Miss. before transitioning to the Air National Guard in 2013.
After joining the Air National Guard as the flight commander with the 138th Attack Squadron at Hancock Field, he worked his way up through successive command positions. He commanded the 138th, the 174th Operational Support Squadron, and the 174th Maintenance Group before becoming the deputy wing commander in 2024.
Batick flew in over 170 combat mission and 190 combat support missions in operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel, for a total of more than 3,500 total flight hours during his career.
During his tenure of command Batick plans prioritize operational readiness and supporting local communities during state active duty mobilizations; continuing the tradition of commanders guiding the professional development of their Airmen.
His plans for the future of the wing include continuing to instill the warrior ethos into the Airmen of the 174th, ensuring the mental, physical and emotional readiness of Air National Guard members under his jurisdiction, and leveraging the unique nature of the Air National Guard by continuing to contribute to the local communities well-being.
The 174th Attack Wing is one of five wings that comprise the New York Air National Guard. Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, the unit’s primary mission is to operate the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.