2 commanders removed from posts in New Mexico Air National Guard

Two top commanders in the New Mexico Air National Guard were removed from their posts recently, a spokesperson confirmed to Military Times. Col. Christopher George was relieved of his duties as commander of the 150th Special Operations Wing, located at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday. Separately, Col. Jeffry Heggemeier, the wing’s deputy commander, was “reassigned” to Headquarters, New Mexico, Air National Guard. “[Heggemeier’s] reassignment is a personnel assignment action and is not a relief from duty or command,” New Mexico National Guard spokesman Hank Minitrez told Military Times on Monday. In place of George, Col. Angela Black will temporarily command the 150th SOW, Minitrez said. Lt. Col. Lonnie Mazuranich has been appointed temporarily to serve as the deputy commander in place of Heggemeier. While Mazuranich now serves as deputy commander, he will also continue to work as commander of the 150th Operations Group. George’s reassignment is a “personnel matter,” causing the guard to not provide any additional details regarding the circumstances of the transfer, Minitrez said. “These personnel changes do not affect the 150th Special Operations Wing’s mission or operational readiness,” Minitrez said. “The New Mexico National Guard remains focused on supporting its Airmen and maintaining the readiness necessary to meet state and federal mission requirements.” Prior to serving as commander of the 150th Special Operations Wing, George was the comm…