174th Maintenance Group 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. Seth Anderson became commander of the 174th Maintenance Group during a change of command ceremony held on June 8, at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY.

Lt. Col. Seth Anderson assumed command from Col. Brett Batick who had been the commander since May 2023, in a ceremony officiated by Col. John R. O’Connor.

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

Anderson is a 2002 graduate of the State University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado with a degree in Architecture. His military career started on Active Duty, earning his navigator wings at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
His first assignment was at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where he navigated the C-130H for the 517th Airlift Squadron. Transitioning to the MQ-1 as an AFSOC pilot at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, marked another significant chapter in his career. His tenure in AFSOC continued with MQ-9 operations at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, before he transitioned to the Air National Guard in 2012.

Anderson is a Master Navigator operating the MQ-9 as a pilot with more than 6,000 flight hours. He has flown over 480 combat missions and 900 combat support missions in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel.

His major awards and decorations consist of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sean Anderson, right, accepts the 174th Operations Group's guidon during a Change of Command ceremony held at Hancock Air National Guard Base on Jun 8, 2024. During a Change of Command ceremony, the guidon of the unit is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan)

174th Mission Support Group Conducts Change of Command

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sean Anderson, right, accepts the 174th Operations Group's guidon during a Change of Command ceremony held at Hancock Air National Guard Base on Jun 8, 2024. During a Change of Command ceremony, the guidon of the unit is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan)
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U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sean Anderson, right, accepts the 174th Operations Group's guidon during a Change of Command ceremony held at Hancock Air National Guard Base on Jun 8, 2024. During a Change of Command ceremony, the guidon of the unit is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Morgan)