Press Release Index
CONTACT: Capt. Michael Squires at (518) 894-0383
FOR RELEASE: Sunday, Jun 28, 2015

Rochester-based National Guard Chinook helicopter unit receives new commander this morning

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (06/28/2015)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Capt. Kenneth Hilkert, a Seneca Falls, resident takes command of Detachment 1, Company B of the 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment this morning at 10 a.m. at the Army Aviation Support Facility here.

The unit operates CH-47 Chinook helicopters, providing heavy lift support to Army and joint forces.

Hilkert takes command from Capt. Brendan Flansburg from Clay, New York, who led the unit since August 2013.Both the incoming and outgoing commanders of the unit flew as pilots with the detachment during deployments to Afghanistan.

WHO: Capt. Kenneth Hilkert, the incoming commander, receives the colors of his new command from outgoing commander Capt. Brendan Flansburg.

WHAT: A traditional military change-of-command ceremony in which the colors, or flag, of the battalion is transferred from Flansburg to Hilkert by the senior commander, 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: Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Army Aviation Support Facility, 42 Patriot Way, Rochester, N.Y. 14624

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.

© NYS DMNA Press Release:Rochester-based National Guard Chinook helicopter unit receives new commander this morning
URL: https://dmna.ny.gov/pressroom/?id=1435582590
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Page Last Modified: Jun 29, 2015