142nd Fighter Wing Welcomes New Commander

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PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore.-- Colonel Adam Sitler assumed command of the 142nd Fighter Wing during a change of command ceremony held here Aug. 5, 2018.

Sitler assumed command from Col. Duke A. Pirak who will be taking a new position as the Director, Chief National Guard Bureau Action Group in Washington, D.C.

Major General Michael E. Stencel, The Adjutant General for the State of Oregon, was present to officiate the ceremony. Stencel praised outgoing commander Col. Pirak’s talent and influence, which has been felt well beyond Oregon, said Stencel.

"In recognition of his body of work," said Stencel. "He now gets the opportunity to use the breadth of his experience and what he learned here to direct the Chief National Guard Bureau Action Group."

As Stencel gave his remarks during the ceremony he brought up the readiness of Sitler to assume command.

“Col. Sitler brings an appreciation for the operations of a fighter wing and an intimate understanding of how to advocate issues on your behalf across the Air Force,” said Stencel.

As he relinquished command, Pirak took a moment to thank the airmen he led.

To the men and women of the 142nd, thank you for being the finest America has to offer,” said Pirak. “Thank you for your willingness to take risks and challenge convention.”

When the incoming commander came to the podium, he addressed the men and women of the 142nd Fighter Wing.

“I will do my best to be a leader of character, someone that you can trust and someone that you can admire,” said Sitler.

The incoming wing commander, Colonel Sitler, was commissioned in May 1996 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Upon completion of undergraduate pilot training and F-15 Training, he was assigned to the 493d Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, UK. Sitler served as a combat mission ready wingman, flight-lead, mission commander, and instructor pilot, including combat missions flown in Operation Allied Force and Operation Southern Watch.

In 2001 Sitler was assigned to the 71st Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB, Va. He served as a combat mission ready instructor pilot and weapons officer after completing the United States Air Force Weapons School in 2003. In 2004, Sitler was assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida where he served as the chief of F-15 projects.

Colonel Sitler separated from the active component of the Air Force in January of 2007 and joined the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard. He has served as squadron and wing weapons officer, flight commander, squadron operations officer, wing consolidated unit inspection project officer, fighter squadron commander, operations group commander and vice wing commander.

“You’ve chosen to serve because it’s a higher calling. I’m honored to be a part of that team. I look forward to leading you. I feel like I am incredibly thankful for today, I’m humbled, I’m enthusiastic, I just can’t wait to get to work,” said Sitler.