Col. Carrelli assumes leadership of 111th Fighter Wing

WILLOW GROVE AIR RESERVE STATION, Pa. -- During a change of command ceremony held Aug. 2, Col. Paul Comtois, 111th Fighter Wing commander, passed the guideon and relinquished command of the 111th FW to Col. Tony Carrelli, 111th Maintenance Group commander, in Hangar 3 at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa.

"We chose Colonel Carrelli to lead the 111th Fighter Wing into the future," said Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Sischo, Deputy Adjutant General-Air and Commander of the Pa. Air National Guard. "It's a huge responsibility and he is very enthusiastic about it. I have nothing but the greatest confidence in his ability to lead you and I'm sure I can count on you to support him to make the future of the 111th successful."

After assuming command, Colonel Carrelli thanked Colonel Comtois for his mentorship and for leaving him with a Wing that's 100 percent. "I couldn't walk into a better position and unit," he explained.

Colonel Carrelli began his career with the 111th in 1999 as an A-10 pilot. From 2003 until 2006, he served as 111th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander. Then, from 2006 until 2009, he served as the 111th Maintenance Group commander. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours and has also flown the T-37, T-38, and AT-38B. He served two assignments in the T-37 and four assignments in the A-10 before coming to the 103rd FS at Willow Grove.

Colonel Carrelli has a Bachelor of Science degree from the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo. In 1995, he received his Master's degree in aviation science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Fla. He has completed Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School. His military awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one device, Air Medal with five devices, Aerial Achievement Medal with five devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with three devices, Air Force Achievement Medal with one device, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and eight devices.

Colonel Paul Comtois served as Wing Commander for three years, was instrumental in navigating the 111th FW from base closure actions stemming from Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission actions to the establishment of a joint interagency installation (JII), leaving the Wing strong and ready to assume future missions. He joined the 111th in 1994 as an A-10 pilot and has over 2,700 flying hours. During his tour, he also served as Chief of Safety, Air Operations Officer, 103rd Operations Support Flight Commander, Wing Plans Officer, Operations Group Commander, Vice Wing Commander, and Air Commander.