BIDDLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 270th Engineering Installation Squadron, a subordinate unit of the 111th Attack Wing and the 111th Mission Support Group, both headquartered here, held a change of command ceremony on base Sept. 18, 2022.
Lt. Col. Brian C. Carr relinquished command of the 270th EIS to Lt. Col. Carolyn R. Bartley during the event, which was held just prior to his retirement ceremony.
A change of command ceremony is a military tradition symbolizing the transfer of leadership of a unit or command. This particular ceremony was bittersweet as it celebrated Bartley’s new role as a commander while simultaneously bidding farewell to Carr in a retirement ceremony that celebrated his more than 30 years of military service.
Col. Christine Munch, the 111th Mission Support Group commander, who presided over both ceremonies, reflected on both Bartley’s selection as a commander, and on Carr’s military career during the ceremonies.
“This is always a bittersweet moment, honoring a commander for his five years of command, culminating not only his time in command, but also his 30-year career,” said Munch. “It’s been a privilege to serve with you knowing I could always rely on you and the great team we have at the 270th EIS.”
Munch also said she was confident that the 270th EIS was in good hands with Bartley at the helm.
Bartley said she was grateful for the opportunity to command the 270th EIS because she was proud of not only the squadron’s mission, but also its camaraderie.
“Thank you for your faith in me,” said Bartley. “I’m very excited to be Commander of the 270th EIS...we're a family. It's not just a unit, but it's a family.”
Bartley went on to thank the 270th for their support.
“Thank you for everything that you do and for everything that you represent,” said Bartley. “I can't imagine another unit that I would want to command. You do amazing things every single day and each and every one of you bring something special and unique to the squadron.”