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New unit activated at State College

Col. Kristin Brawley, commander the 193rd Air Operations Group, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, State College, Pa., receives the guidon from Col. Mike Cason (left), 193rd Special Operations Wing commander, Middletown, Pa., during an assumption of command ceremony held Jan 10. Brawley is responsible for leading more than 100 officers and enlisted members as they perform various command and control functions as part of the unit's air operations mission. (U. S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Schwartz, Released)(Photo captured from video of event)

193rd SOW activates new group and squadrons

Published Feb. 6, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Julia Sorber
193rd Special Operations Wing

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- In a ceremony Jan. 10, Col. Kristin Brawley assumed command of the newly activated 193rd Air Operations Group in State College, Pennsylvania. This unit is part of a regional support group attached to the 193rd Special Operations Wing, headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

This new distinction from air operations squadron to air operation group allows the unit to be recognized and supported at the level at which their missions dictate, according to wing leadership.

The ceremony began with preliminary honors and ended with the symbolic passing of the guidon, representing a new chapter for the wing.

"When we close this chapter, we start a new one," said Col. Mike Cason, commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing. "The group's construct does change; the guidon changes; but your selfless service remains the same."

In addition to activating the 193rd AOG, a 193rd Air Communication Squadron, Air Intelligence Squadron and Combat Operations Squadron were also activated, Brawley said.

"This is a time of great opportunity, as individuals and as units," said Brawley. "I'm excited about creating a world-class organization here in State College."