The New Mexico Air National Guard has removed the commander of the 150th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base and reassigned the wing’s deputy commander, officials confirmed Monday, naming temporary leaders while stressing the changes will not affect operational readiness.
Who was moved and who is in charge now
Col. Christopher George was relieved of his duties as commander of the 150th Special Operations Wing on Friday, according to a spokesman for the New Mexico National Guard. Separately, Col. Jeffry Heggemeier, the wing’s deputy commander, was reassigned to Headquarters, New Mexico, Air National Guard.
Col. Angela Black has been appointed to temporarily lead the 150th SOW. Lt. Col. Lonnie Mazuranich will serve temporarily as deputy commander while continuing his duties as commander of the 150th Operations Group, the guard’s spokesman said.
"[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.
Official statements and context
Spokesman Hank Minitrez characterized George’s reassignment as a "personal matter" and declined to provide additional details about the circumstances that prompted the leadership change. Minitrez also emphasized the personnel moves will not disrupt the wing’s mission.
"These personnel changes do not affect the 150th Special Operations Wing's mission or operational readiness," Minitrez said.
Background on the officers
Biographical details provided by the guard describe Col. George as having previously led the 150th Maintenance Group. His career includes more than 15 years as an enlisted crew chief on the F-16 C/D and a decade commissioned as a security forces officer, among other roles.
Col. Heggemeier previously served as director of staff at Joint Force Headquarters, New Mexico Air National Guard. He spent four years on active duty working on directed energy efforts, transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 2006, worked as a civilian employee at the Air Force Research Laboratory until 2022 and joined the New Mexico Air National Guard in 2014.
What the 150th Special Operations Wing does
- The wing is tasked with training Special Operations teams.
- It also supports Combat Search and Rescue training and related missions.
- The unit operates out of Kirtland Air Force Base and contributes to both state and federal mission requirements.
Temporary leadership chart
| Position | Outgoing | Temporary replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Commander, 150th Special Operations Wing | Col. Christopher George | Col. Angela Black |
| Deputy Commander, 150th Special Operations Wing | Col. Jeffry Heggemeier | Lt. Col. Lonnie Mazuranich |
Implications for the Guard and community
Officials framed the moves as personnel actions that preserve continuity of command and the unit’s ability to meet both state and federal obligations. The 150th SOW’s training and readiness responsibilities mean any leadership transition is closely watched by service members and civilian partners at Kirtland and across New Mexico.
While the guard declined to elaborate on specifics behind Col. George’s reassignment, naming experienced interim leaders aims to reassure airmen and the public that daily operations will continue without interruption.
Local and state stakeholders often rely on the Guard for emergency response and mission support; the guard reiterated its focus on supporting airmen and maintaining readiness amid the personnel changes.
As the situation develops, the New Mexico National Guard is the primary source for updates on permanent appointments or any additional personnel actions connected to the 150th Special Operations Wing.
