Maryland Air National Guard Welcomes New Leadership Amid Significant Mission Evolution

The Maryland Air National Guard has officially transitioned to new leadership, with a dual change of command ceremony marking the occasion at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport on December 7, 2025. This significant event coincides with a strategic shift for the 175th Wing as it expands its cyber mission capabilities. Presiding over the ceremony was Maryland Army National Guard Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, the 31st Adjutant General of Maryland.

“Today is about leadership transitions, but it is also about our Airmen,” said Birckhead. “Their professionalism, service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the state. Our mission is evolving and our capabilities are expanding because of the dedication our Airmen and leaders have to the Maryland National Guard.”

The ceremony saw the relinquishing of command of the 175th Wing from Brigadier General Richard Hunt to Colonel Joed Carbonell. General Hunt, who began his career as an enlisted member within the Maryland Air National Guard, is set to assume the role of interim Assistant Adjutant General. Following this, Brigadier General Drew Dougherty, outgoing Assistant Adjutant General – Air, passed his command to General Hunt. General Dougherty is retiring next month after a distinguished 27-year career in both the active-duty Air Force and the Air National Guard. His service includes over 4,900 military flying hours, with more than 900 combat hours accumulated during six deployments in support of operations such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Freedom’s Sentinel.

“Change is inevitable,” said Dougherty. “But as history teaches us, what defines you is how you face it, how you adapt, and how you persevere. I’m confident we are ready for that change because we have the right leadership team, the right airmen, and a history of excellence that stands the test of time. All the while, we continue in cyber operations, providing offensive, defensive, and intelligence capabilities that our nation relies on every single day.”

Colonel Carbonell joins the 175th Wing from the 179th Cyberspace Operations Group at Mansfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio, where he previously served as commander. His prior experience also includes a tenure with the 175th Wing before his assignment to the National Guard Bureau in 2021. As the 175th Wing transitions its operational focus to cyber defense and offense, Colonel Carbonell acknowledges the potential for anxiety and excitement among the wing members and emphasizes his commitment to leading them through this period of change with passion, clear vision, and humility.

This leadership transition and the wing’s evolving mission underscore the critical importance of adaptability and resilience within the Maryland National Guard. The expansion into a comprehensive cyber-focused mission signifies an increase in the state’s capacity to provide vital offensive, defensive, and intelligence capabilities to national security efforts. The dedication of the Airmen and leaders is highlighted as the driving force behind these evolving capabilities, ensuring the continued strength and effectiveness of the Maryland National Guard. Residents can anticipate that this enhanced cyber posture reflects a growing emphasis on national security in the digital domain.

“I’m extremely humbled by this opportunity to rejoin you as your commander and to serve you during this unique moment in time,” said Carbonell. “I fully acknowledge the anxiety, anger, or excitement that comes with this drastic change in mission. My commitment to the wing is that I will always strive to serve and lead you with passion, clear vision, and humility as we navigate this change together.”

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)

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