ROCHESTER -New York Army National Guard Capt, Eric Fritz took command of New York’s heavy lift helicopter from Capt. Christopher Gagliardo on Saturday Nov. 6 during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory here.
Gagliardo led Detachment 1 Company B of the 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment for the past four years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan.
The unit also won the Army Aviation Association of America Unit of the Year award for the 126th’s success during Operation Enduring Freedom 07-09.
Gagliardo led an inexperience unit to Afghanistan, flying CH-47’s in the most demanding conditions in the world and returning all Soldiers home safely.
The regiment is headquartered in Maryland.
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