SYRACUSE – New York Air National Guard Lt. Col. Keith Walker, a Camillus resident, took command of the 174th Attack Wing’s 174th Operations Group during a change of command ceremony held on June 3, at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse.
Walker assumed command from Col. Thomas Burke,a Manlius resident, during a ceremony officiated by Col. William McCrink III, the commander of the 174th Attack Wing.
McCrink turned over command of the wing to Col. John O’Connor during a June 4 ceremony.
Walker is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours flying the KC-135 tanker, the C-130 Hercules transport, and the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.
He was an enlisted Airman before earning his commission and has served in a number of positions at the 174th Attack wing ranging from commander of the 174th Operations Support Squadron and deputy commander of the 174th Operations Group, to director of operations for the 108th Attack Squadron.
He previously served in the 107th Airlift Wing where he flew missions in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Walker is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal.
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