Amid Threats of Cuts, 171st Refueling Wing Changes Command

Col. Anthony J. Carrelli assumed command of the Moon-based 171st Air National Guard Refueling Wing Feb. 1 after the promotion of the unit's former commander.

Former 171st commander Major Gen. Roy E. Uptegraff has been promoted to Air National Guard Assistant to Commander, Air Mobility. Uptegraff, who has served as commander of the 171st since 2006, will now be stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Carrelli took the position after a change-of-command ceremony Sunday at the 171st's base.

The change in leadership comes after word last week that the Air Force plans to four refueling tanker planes at the station as a part of an effort to drastically reduce federal defense spending.

The include closing the neighboring Air Force 911th Airlift Wing, which shares a runway with the 171st and the Pittsburgh International Airport. Congressional approval is required before the cuts can be finalized.

"You are in the right vocation, you are still in the right mission," Uptegraff said to a hangar filled with the base's guardsmen. "You might get smaller but you are no less able."

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, told members of the wing that local lawmakers plan to rally against the planned downsizing.

"We will fight this with the facts, which is that this is one of the best performing air wings in the world," he said following the ceremony. "We want the Air Force to make a decision that is informed."

Uptegraff has served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard since 1979 and piloted combat support missions during Dessert Storm. He served as commander of the 313th Air Expeditionary wing in support of in the 2011 Libyan Conflict. He has been promoted from brigadier to major general as a part of his new assignment.

"From the back of the room to the front of the room, this is a unit of leaders," Uptegraff said, touting the unit's recent deployments.

Carrelli most recently served as wing commander for the 111th Fighter Wing outside of Philadelphia. He is a combat veteran of campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I've been here only a few days," Carrelli told members of the wing. "I do not know any of you by name or by face. But I know you. I know what you do. I know your work."