KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Col. Robert “Mike” Rogers assumed command of the 150th Special Operations Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard, during a ceremony here April 1, 2023. His previous assignment was commander of the 150th Operations Group.
“Over the last few years, I’ve seen you take on every challenge that’s been set in front of you. You take on the task and ask, ‘What’s next?’ and take another step forward. It’s an honor to stand here as your commander. I look forward to everything that comes next,” Rogers said.
Brig. Gen. Michele LaMontagne, Assistant Adjutant General-Air, served as the presiding official.
“I don’t know how many of you know this, but it’s been five years or more since we’ve had a wing commander that came from the 150th, and one of the things I’m excited about is he’s done an awesome job mentoring and preparing that next generation – the next level of leaders to come in and succeed him,” LaMontagne said. “I’m hoping in the future that we can continue to fill these key leadership positions rom members within the 150th.”
Rogers succeeded Col. George Sefzik, who retired at a separate ceremony later that day.
The 150th Special Operations Wing generates ready Airmen in a variety of skilled career fields for state and federal missions. The 150th SOW, as a Total Force Associate unit in conjunction with the 58th Special Operations Wing, has a federal mission to train combat-ready Personnel Recovery and Special Operations aircrews and sustain a fleet of H/MC-130J, CV-22, HH-60G, and RC-26 aircraft. The wing also supports federal Intelligence, targeting, medical, security, and homeland defense missions. The 150th Special Operations Wing’s state mission is to preserve peace and public safety and protect lives and property.