Long Island aviation support company changes command this morning at 11 a.m.

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (06/27/2015)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Major Eric Fritz, a Webster, N.Y. resident, a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot, takes command of Company B of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion this morning at 11 a.m, , at the Army Aviation Support Facility here at Islip MacArthur Airport.

The unit provides logistics and maintenance support to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, and last returned from deployment to Kuwait in August 2014.

Fritz takes command from Major Shawn Hatch, from Highland, N.Y., who has led the company since March 2012. Hatch is a veteranof the Iraq War.

WHO: Major Eric Fritz, the incoming commander, receives the colors of his new command from outgoing commander Major Shawn Hatch. Lt. Col. Michael Charnley, commander of the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, 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 Hatch to Fritz by the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Michael Charnley, 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, June 27, 2015 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Army Aviation Support Facility, 201 Schaefer Drive, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Coverage Opportunities:

Reporters will have the opportunity to interview both the incoming and outgoing commanders. Video and photographic opportunities include Soldiers in formation as well as the ceremony in which the unit colors are transferred.

Media must contact Capt. Michael Squires at (518) 894-0383 for access to the secure military facility.