Air Force Has 'Strong Desire' to Fly Osprey Again Following Deadly Crash, But Questions Remain

Air Force Special Operations Command officials want to get their fleet of Ospreys back in the air for missions but are treading carefully following a CV-22 crash that left eight airmen dead in November.


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Col. Jared K. Stone presents awards to Firefighter Shawn Mallahan

 

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES
02.07.2024
Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Radosti 
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma  

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jared Stone, left, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, presents award to Shawn Mallahan, a civilian employee with the MCAS Yuma Fire Department, during an award ceremony at the installation, Feb. 7, 2024. Mallahan was awarded for his ten years of service with the MCAS Yuma Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Radosti)

Fire Chief James S. Nizza Retires from The New York Air National Guard After 32 Years of Service

 

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Carrick, the deputy commander of the 106th Mission Support Group of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, presents a certificate of retirement to Chief Master Sgt. James S. Nizza, during his retirement ceremony on base, Feb. 3, 2024. Nizza served at the 106th Rescue Wing for 32 years and received the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service and contributions in keeping America safe. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sarah McKernan)

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY, UNITED STATES
02.03.2024
Photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah McKernan 
106th Rescue Wing/Public Affairs  

Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, N.Y., --New York Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. James S. Nizza, a Westhampton Beach resident, closed a 32-year military career with a retirement ceremony on Feb. 3 at the 106th Rescue Wing Firehouse at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base.

Nizza is a veteran of deployments to Panama, Honduras, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq in support of Operation Northern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.

He last served as the 106th Fire Department chief.

Lt. Col. Kevin Carrick, the 106th Mission Support Group deputy commander, and presiding official of the ceremony, praised Nizza for his service and leadership over the years.

“As the fire protection superintendent of the wing, Chief Nizza took on the responsibility of planning, organizing and directing all fire protection activities for our unit,” Carrick said. “His dedication to the safety and well-being of our personnel, the protection of property and the environment has been unwavering.”

In his remarks, Nizza thanked the wing leadership, his children, fellow Airmen, and friends for their backing over the years.

“I am deeply grateful for the endless support I’ve received,” Nizza said. “Without the trust and empowerment granted by our commanders and chiefs, my achievements at the 106th would not have been possible.”

He also thanked his children, Peter and Joseph, for their understanding and support, promising to make up for the moments missed.

“My deployments and (temporary duties) have taken me away from you guys,” Nizza continued. “I’m glad that now I have the time to spend with you and hopefully we can make some of that up.”

During the ceremony, Nizza was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service, the Air Force Certificate of Retirement, the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, and the Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force and was placed on the U.S. Air Force Reserve Retired list.

In civilian life, Nizza has been an active volunteer in the Center Moriches Fire Department serving as a company officer and chief. He also serves as the deputy chief instructor of the Suffolk County Fire Academy responsible for the training and development of over 10,000 volunteer fire personnel.

In closing, Nizza said, “The 106th is a close-knit family and a great place to work, continue to nurture and support this family environment.”

The 106th operates the HC-130J search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopter and provides personnel recovery to the state of New York and deployed operations that it's tasked to support.

Manchester Fire Department hoists an American flag over the West Salmon St. entrance to the Manchester Armory

 

MANCHESTER, NH, UNITED STATES
02.08.2024
Photo by Master Sgt. Charles Johnston 
Joint Force Headquarters - New Hampshire National Guard  

Manchester Fire Department hoists an American flag over the West Salmon St. entrance to the Manchester Armory on Feb. 8, 2024, at the Manchester armory in New Hampshire. About 370 Soldiers, including a battery of 84 Guardsmen from Michigan, deployed last spring to the Middle East. The New Hampshire Army National Guard HIMARS (high mobility rocket system) battalion completed a nine-month rotation in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Charles Johnston)

NH Guardsmen return from Middle East deployment

 

MANCHESTER, NH, UNITED STATES
02.08.2024
Photo by Master Sgt. Charles Johnston 
Joint Force Headquarters - New Hampshire National Guard  

From left, five-year-old Parker Davis awaits the arrival of his father, Staff Sgt. Larry Davis, during a welcome home ceremony Feb. 8, 2024, at the Manchester armory in New Hampshire. About 370 Soldiers, including a battery of 84 Guardsmen from Michigan, deployed last spring to the Middle East. The New Hampshire Army National Guard HIMARS (high mobility rocket system) battalion completed a nine-month rotation in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Charles Johnston)