NY Army National Guard Support Unit Getting New Commander

CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. (AP) — The New York Army National Guard unit that provides military police, transportation and other support elements is getting a new commander.

Col. Michel Natali will take command of the 53rd Troop Command during a change-of-command ceremony being held Saturday afternoon at the Camp Smith Training Site in Westchester County. Natali is taking over for outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, who's retiring after 36 years in the military.

The 53rd troop Command is responsible for MP companies, transportation, supply, engineer and other Army National Guard support units located across the state. The command has about 4,000 soldiers.

Natali, who joined the National Guard 20 years ago this month, is a veteran of the Iraq war. In civilian life he's a New York State Police investigator assigned to counter-terrorism duties.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]