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.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Olean Times Herald -- Thu, 08 Jan 2026 NY Air Guard honors Millard Filmore in wreath-laying ceremony BUFFALO The New York Air National Guards 107th Attack Wing honored Millard Fillmore, the nations 13th president, on Wednesday as the wings Mission Support Group deputy commander laid a wreath... (more)
Olean Times Herald -- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 New York Guard gave honors at more than 6,000 funerals in 2025 The New York National Guard said its soldiers and airmen provided military funeral honors at 6,166 graveside services in 2025. According to a news release from the guard, the 69 soldiers... (more)
Stars and Stripes -- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 Air National Guard collects climate data, fuels research station in Antarctica The New York Air National Guard is using ski-equipped versions of Lockheed Martins long-serving cargo plane to collect scientific data on flights to and from Antarctica, according to the commander... (more)