152nd Combat Operations Squadron Change of Command Published June 8, 2022 By Senior Airman Tiffany Scofield 152nd Air Operations Group Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, NY -- HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NY – New York Air National Guard Col. Doreen M. Chemotti took command of the 152nd Combat Operations Squadron, part of the 152nd Air Operations Group, in a ceremony on Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Sunday, June 5. Chemotti replaced Col. Patrick M. Cox who had commanded the squadron since Dec. 7, 2019. Col. Kevin B. St John, commander of the 152nd Air Operations Group, was the presiding official for the ceremony. The formal change of command ceremony is a ceremony rooted in history, dating back to the Roman legions. Military organizations developed flags or colors unique to their unit. Soldiers followed their colors into battle, and always knew to whom to look for leadership. The public exchange of colors acknowledged the formal change of command. Chemotti said she was excited to follow in the footsteps of the leaders before her. “I want to give back,” said Chemotti. “This unit has given me the opportunity of a lifetime and now it's my turn.” Col. Doreen M. Chemotti previously served as the Director of the Joint Air Component Coordination Element (JACCE), 152d Air Operations Group (AOG). The 152nd AOG provides direct support to the Commander, US European Command (USEUCOM), United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) via the United States Air Forces in Europe's (USAFE) 603rd Air and Space Operations Center at Ramstein Air Base. Col. Chemotti entered the United States Air Force in 1990 as an enlisted member. After graduating from basic military training with honors and basic air traffic control school at Keesler Air Force Base, she was assigned to the 485th communications installation group at Griffiss Air Force Base. In 1994, Col. Chemotti transitioned from active duty to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and served as a member of the 114th air traffic control flight in State College, PA. After becoming a member of the 260th air traffic control squadron in the New Hampshire Air National Guard, she received her Air Force commission through the Academy of Military Science program (distinguished graduate) in 1999 and became the chief of air traffic control operations at Pease Air Force Base. Later that year, Col. Chemotti joined the 152 AOG as their only airspace officer. Since joining the 152nd, Col. Chemotti has served in many leadership roles to include airspace flight commander, strategic air planner, and air component operations flight commander. Col. Chemotti has held key positions in many milestone exercises and operations in support of USEUCOM, USAFRICOM, USPACOM and USCENTCO. Recently, she was chief of staff for both Operations ALLIES REFUGE and ALLIES WELCOME. She has participated in numerous other named operations to include Operations JOINT GUARD, JOINT ENDEAVOR, NORTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Col. Chemotti graduated from SUNY Health Science Center with a Master of Professional Studies degree in physical therapy. In 2017, she was conferred a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Air War College. As a civilian air traffic controller at Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center, she is a level 12 controller and a leading subject matter expert in the Next Generation Air Transportation, En-Route Automation Modernization system.