Commander relinquishes command of 150th Wing

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kathee Mullins
  • 150th Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  After more than 11 years with the New Mexico Air National Guard, Col. Frederik G. Hartwig relinquished command of the 150th Wing at a May 15 ceremony.
Colonel Hartwig's next position is in Hawaii as Air National Guard liaison to Pacific Air Forces. He was due to report this week.
Until a new commander is found, Col. Dennis. J. Gallegos will serve as interim commander.
"I have been to combat with this wing and I can assure you there are no finer Airmen or citizen-warriors," Colonel Hartwig said. "The missions, as are each of you, are equally important. It has been awe-inspiring and an honor to have served you and with you. Colonel Gallegos has all the skills necessary to take you into the future. Now I think the only thing left for me to say is 'Aloha.'"
New Mexico Adjutant General Kenny C. Montoya addressed more than 800 Air National and Army National Guardsmen during the ceremony.
"Colonel Hartwig stood out, the character in his heart, his willingness to get the job done," Adjutant Gen. Montoya said. "He knew when to stand up to me, when to fight, and when to advise me. Colonel Hartwig you do an excellent job, I thank you for your service."
Following an Air Force career dating to 1984, Colonel Hartwig transitioned to the Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional guardsman in the District of Columbia Air National Guard. He accepted a position with the New Mexico Air National Guard in December 2000.
In his time at Kirtland Air Force Base, Colonel Hartwig served as the 150th FW Chief of Plans, 150th Operations Group Chief of Standards and Evaluations, and 188th Fighter Squadron Operations Officer.
Brigadier General John D. Bledsoe, assistant Adjutant for Air, State of New Mexico, also had some kind words for Colonel Hartwig during the ceremony.
"Colonel Hartwig embodies the word optimism," said General Bledsoe. "Freddy you are a unique critter. You have done a fabulous job getting this wing to the next level. You have great attitude, when you are in a bad position, you always manage to come out on the other side 'smelling like a rose.' And I just want to say that I am really feeling sorry for you in your new job, in Hawaii. Great job, and congratulations."