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ANG welcomes next director during Pentagon ceremony

  • Published
  • By Technical Sgt. Morgan R. Lipinski
  • Air National Guard Readiness Center
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Maj. Gen. Michael A. Loh assumed responsibility as the 13th director of the Air National Guard and promoted to the rank of lieutenant general during a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the Pentagon July 28, 2020.

Loh succeeds Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, who served as the ANG’s director since 2016.

Upon accepting responsibility, Loh took to the podium to address the men and women of the Air National Guard.

“The Air National Guard is very special, and we are a part of the greatest Air Force in the world,” Loh said. “You all deliver air, space, and cyber power as a profession. But, we only stay the greatest Air Force in the world through your hard work. We greatly appreciate your continued excellence and your unwavering commitment.”

Loh continued by acknowledging the unprecedented times and unique missions ANG Airmen are facing today nationwide.

“2020 has been especially challenging: a global pandemic, continuity of operations efforts, civil unrest operations, hurricanes, fire support, while also being deployed overseas into combat… You are truly amazing,” Loh said.

As director, Loh will be responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all plans, policies, and programs for more than 107,700 ANG Airmen and civilians in 90 wings and 175 geographically separated units located in 213 locations throughout the 50 states, 3 territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia.

Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the 28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, expressed confidence in Loh’s ability to lead the force forward.

“I couldn’t be more proud, more happy to watch you ascend to lead the Air National Guard,” Lengyel said. “Under your leadership, and that of Gen. Hokanson, we will be always ready and always there.”

In-person ceremony attendance was limited to ensure proper COVID-19 protocols were practiced. Nevertheless, a ceremony broadcast is available online here: https://ngpa.us/9525