109th Airlift Squadron Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton
  • 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
St. Paul, Minn. --  The 109th Airlift Squadron welcomed Lt. Col. Brian P. Wyneken as the new commander in a ceremony today in the Operations Building of the Minnesota Air National Guard base in St. Paul.
 
The 109th AS is home to over one hundred men and women who fly the 133rd Airlift Wing's eight C-130 H3 "Hercules" cargo aircraft. This change of command passes the torch to its 41st commander of the history-rich airlift squadron. The squadron traces its roots to 1921 when the unit became the National Guard's first federally recognized flying unit in the country.
 
"Lt. Col. Wyneken brings a continuity of command to an important position as he successfully guided his Airmen through two major inspections during his previous command, the Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI) and the Air Traffic Systems Evaluation," said Col. Greg A. Haase, 133rd AW Commander.
 
During Lt. Col. Wyneken's last position as commander of the 133rd Operations Support Flight he was responsible for support to the eight aircraft that logged more than 3,000 flying hours per year.
 
Lt. Col. James R. Treutel relinquished command to accept the Minnesota National Guard Deputy J-3 position at Joint Force Headquarters in St. Paul. He is a C-130 command pilot with over 22 years in the military.
 
Throughout Lt. Col. Treutel's time as 109th AS commander he successfully led Airmen through a deployment and UCI inspection in 2007, and the recent Air Expeditionary Force deployment to Afghanistan in 2008 where Airmen and aircraft he was responsible for flew 205 tons of cargo and transported 1,153 passengers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
 
In addition to maintaining readiness, the new commander will face many tasks in the near future. New systems in the aircraft, the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, and management of personnel are just a few.
 
"People can bring the biggest heartaches and at the same time provide the greatest joy... and leaders serve their people," said Col. Robert F. Cayton, 133rd Operations Group Commander.
 
Lt. Col. Wyneken said that he was proud to accept the responsibility given to him and that he would look to his people to serve them as best he can. He is a C-130 instructor navigator with over 18 years in the military and currently serves as the Air Operations Officer full time at the 133rd AW.
 
Prior to the conclusion of the ceremony Col. Haase presented both Lt. Col. Wyneken and Lt. Col. Treutel Meritorious Service Medals for their accomplishments in their previous command positions.