174th Mission Support Group Conducts Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Barbara Olney
  • 174th Attack Wing
Hancock Air National Guard Base, NY --  

New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jason Taylor became commander of the 174th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony held on June 8, at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, in Syracuse, NY.

Taylor replaced Col. Michael Adamitis who has led the 174th Mission Support Group since 2019.

The formal change of command ceremony is one 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 whom to look to for leadership. The public exchange of colors acknowledges the formal change of command.

In 1992, Taylor started his military career as an enlisted Military Police officer in the United States Army. After serving on Active Duty for 5 years, Lt Col Taylor had a short time in the inactive ready reserve before joining the New York Army National Guard in October 1998 as an Infantry Team Leader.

In October 2001 he joined the New York Air National Guard as a Security Forces traditional guardsman in the 174th Fighter Wing where he was mobilized for two years, spending six months of it deployed to Camp Snoopy, Qatar.

Taylor commissioned in 2003 and is a 2005 graduate of Rochester institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Software and Development and Management.

In October of 2009, he became the full time 174th Attack Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron Operations Officer where he expertly filled in as the Interim Squadron Commander from the summer of 2011 until spring 2012.

In May of 2012 Taylor was hired at Eastern Air Defense Sector where he spent ten years serving in numerous roles including Chief of Logistics, Cyberspace Operations Flight Commander, Cyberspace Plans and Resources Flight Commander, Logistics and Civil Engineering Flight Commander, Assistant Director of Operations, and Director of Operations.

Taylor came back to Hancock Field Air National Guard Base and served as the 174th Attack Wing Mission Support Group Deputy Commander.

Taylor’s awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.

United States Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, the incoming commander of the 174th Mission Support Group, accepts the group’s guidon from Col. John O’Connor, commander of the 174th Attack Wing, during a 174th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, June 08. During the ceremony, Taylor, who has served as the group’s deputy commander since June 2022, is replacing Col. Michael Adamitis, who is retiring later this year after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Alexander Rector)

174th Maintenance Group Change of Command

United States Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, the incoming commander of the 174th Mission Support Group, accepts the group’s guidon from Col. John O’Connor, commander of the 174th Attack Wing, during a 174th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, June 08. During the ceremony, Taylor, who has served as the group’s deputy commander since June 2022, is replacing Col. Michael Adamitis, who is retiring later this year after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Alexander Rector)
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United States Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, the incoming commander of the 174th Mission Support Group, accepts the group’s guidon from Col. John O’Connor, commander of the 174th Attack Wing, during a 174th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, June 08. During the ceremony, Taylor, who has served as the group’s deputy commander since June 2022, is replacing Col. Michael Adamitis, who is retiring later this year after 30 years of service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Alexander Rector)